Ladies Shut Out Pecos, Remain Unbeaten in District 3-3A
    By Randy Hogan, Staff Writer ~~ The Monahans News, March 21, 2006

Heather Schuler struck out 13 Lady Eagles, and Monahans shut out Pecos 4-0 to remain unbeaten in District 3-3A softball Friday night.

Monahans (15-4, 3-0) took the lead for good in the bottom of the first inning, as Ashton Jarrett crossed the plate for the Green to put them up 1-0.

The Lady Loboes turned in a dominating defensive performance to go with Schuler's no-hitter. Savannah Ewing ripped a double and was the lone Eagle to get on base for Pecos.

However, PHS coach Tammy Walls could not advance her base runner, as Schuler thwarted the bunt attempt by Pecos to move the runner from second base.

"There is just something special about Heather," said MHS coach David Parker. "I don't know if it's the spin she puts on the ball or what, but you just can't bunt against her. It is almost impossible to get a bunt down on her."

Schuler (13-1) pitched seven complete innings and allowed only one hit. She sat down 13 Lady Eagles by strike out, bringing her season total to 82. Her ERA of 1.15 in 91 innings is a West Texas best in all classifications.

Perhaps sensing that they had the Lady Eagles where they wanted them, MHS methodically pounded out 11 hits on Pecos, to control the game.

"We played flat through four innings, "Parker said. "We didn't  hit the ball particularly well, but the girls did what they needed to do to get the win. They play with a great deal of confidence and are working very hard on defense."

The rivalry game undoubtedly stirs the blood of all Lobo fans every time the two teams take the field, but none more than MHS catcher Dina Ortiz.

Ortiz grew up in Pecos before making her move to Monahans, and the most exciting moment of the game for PHS fans came when Ortiz was called out on a strikeout in the third inning.

"I think Dina took that as a challenge," Parker said. "She made some things happen after that and led the team to a big victory."

Ortiz went 1 for 3 on the night from the plate, scoring a run and picking up and RBI. 

In the fifth inning Ortiz got a base hit, then allowed Brianna Chaney to advance to third base on a delayed steal.

"We all knew that Dina wanted this game," Parker said. "She was ready for Pecos and couldn't wait for the chance."

Chaney and Ortiz each scored in the fifth inning to move the Green to a 3-0 lead, and Kellie Almanza scored the final run in the sixth inning to secure the victory for Monahans. 

Lana Santiago and Kaitlin Mitchell led the way for MHS, each going 2 for 3 at the plate.

Santiago continues to lead the Green with a .574 batting average for the season.

Shuler hit 2 for 4 and picked up an RBI in the game, while Ashton Jarrett and Brianna Chaney went 2 for 3 at bat for Monahans.

Chaney also added an RBI to move her season RBI total to 9 and improved her season batting average to .538

The schedule doesn't get any easier for Monahans as Greenwood comes to town Tuesday in a must win game for the Rangerettes.

Greenwood ended a long run of district championships by the Lady Loboes last season and come into the game with a 2-1 record in District 3-3A. The Rangerettes lost to Seminole last week, and their game with Fort Stockton Friday was cancelled because of rain.

Figure in that Greenwood beat Monahans decisively at the Andrews tournament, and add to the fire that the Rangerettes are the defending District Champs, and you can see why Coach Parker is excited about the game Tuesday.

"We made a lot of uncharacteristic errors against Greenwood in Andrews," Parker said. "Our girls don't show all the emotion now, but I think they understand the magnitude of this game. We are playing with a high level of intensity, and our defense is really solid right now."

And one more important fact to mention about the game, "They haven't seen Heather yet," Parker smiled.

Game times for Monahans vs. Greenwood is 5 pm at the MHS softball complex.

Keyed by Jason Dimm, Senior