Lady Loboes Final Tune-Up A Success
    By Randy Hogan, Staff Writer ~~ The Monahans News, February 14, 2005

The Monahans softball team traveled to San Angelo for a triple-header scrimmage Saturday, and returned home with a positive outlook going into the season opener later this week.

The Lady Loboes defeated the San Angelo Lakeview Maidens 5-2 in the first game.

"We played pretty well against Lakeview," MHS coach David Parker said.  "We hit the ball better and played good defense against them."

The Ladies struggled in the second game with Snyder, dropping the scrimmage 7-2 to the Tigers.

"We struggled at the plate with Snyder," Parker said.  "We had to fight a tight strike zone through the Snyder game, but that happens from time to time.  Overall we looked good considering the circumstances."

Monahans lost to Snyder in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs last year, and the history between the schools has been intense the past few seasons.

The Ladies rebounded by blasting San Angelo Central in the night-cap, pounding out a 10-2 victory over the Bobcats.

In the game Erin Garcia got her first ever home run for the Lady Loboes, highlighting an offensive performance by MHS.

"The Central game was good for us to finish up the pre-season," Parker said.  "We were able to execute some drag bunts and other things that we needed to work on."

Coach Parker noted that his team's hitting has improved each game.  "We have improved tremendously, and are looking good overall going into the season opener.  Dina Ortiz had some big hits in San Angelo, and I think the girls are adjusting to their role this year of not having one big player to lean on.  It's been a good team effort so far."

The Varsity and JV Lady Loboes open the season on the road at Alpine, Tuesday afternoon.  Game time is set for 5 p.m.

Keyed by Melissa Ramirez, Senior