San Benito Lady Greyhound Amber Jasso is shown at bat. (Photos by Jose Ramos)
By CHRISTY CORTEZ
Special to the NEWS
With a trip back to the Sweet 16 at stake, the San Benito Lady ’Hounds battled the Edinburg North Lady Cougars at a crowded Lady ’Hound Stadium Thursday and Friday night, winning in impressive fashion.
“Our girls once again played their hearts out right from the get go. They played the game the way it’s supposed to played,” said Lady ’Hound Head Coach Elias Martinez minutes after the team’s 9-3 victory over the Lady Cougars Friday. “They refused to quit. They all have each other’s back and we can’t say enough good things about the girls and the fourth time in history we’re going to the Sweet 16.”
Jackie Elizondo hit a grand slam Friday while KC Sanchez hit a two-run homer.
“We’re going to have fun, enjoy the victory, get back to work on Monday, and keep playing well and doing what we’re doing,” Martinez said, adding that he’s unsure of who the team will be playing until later Saturday.
Fans from both Edinburg and San Benito watched from any open space Thursday for game one of the best-of-three game series as these two teams rallied each other inning after inning until San Benito came out ahead, 3-2.
Just as she’s done all season, freshman ace Amber Jasso started things off fast with a strikeout of the first batter. The rest of the defense pitched in for the other two outs with a grounder to Amanda Garza and a fly foul ball caught by catcher Giselle Tamayo. The Lady Cougars fought back and the score remained neutral until the top of the fourth, when the Lady Cougars were able to get one run past the Lady ’Hounds.
The Lady ’Hounds came back strong with their chance at bat when Kassandra Contreras hit a stand up double that allowed Jackie Elizondo and Yesenia Penablanca to come in and gain the lead. In the bottom of the fifth Amanda Garza hit a solo homerun that made the whole town see fireworks, literally. A firework display went off after Garza sent one way over centerfield and gave the Lady ’Hounds a little more confidence.
At the top of the sixth the Lady Cougars tried to come up by bringing in another run but the solid Lady ’Hound defense pushed them right back down and kept them at two. The Lady Cougars also kept the Lady ’Hounds from scoring at the bottom of the sixth. At the top of the seventh with two outs and one person on base by error, Edinburg had their power hitter at the plate. KC Sanchez showed everyone at Lady ’Hound Stadium why her nickname is “Stretch”. She extended her arm out at first base as a line drive came her way and helped the Lady ’Hounds seal the victory. “I felt so relieved after I caught it. I just wanted us to end it already,” said an enthusiastic Sanchez.
Amanda Garza was just as excited after coming through for her team. “I had been in a slump and my team had been picking up my slack, so I was so excited to be able to help them out,” said a gracious Garza.
To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the May 15 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.
2 comments
GOOD LUCK LADY HOUNDS!!!
Sweet 16 here we come. Get ready everyone because history is going to be made!