Lady Loboes Open Second Half Of 3-3A Softball With 4-0 Win Over Seminole
    By Randy Hogan-Staff Writer ~ The Monahans News - April 4, 2006

Erin Garcia ripped a two-run RBI double into right field in the bottom of the fifth inning that broke open a tight District 3-3A softball game with Seminole Tuesday night, and the Lady Loboes rolled on to a 4-0 victory to remain unbeaten in league play.

Monahans (19-4, 7-0) recorded their eleventh shutout of the season to begin the second half of the District schedule.  Ironically, MHS has posted shutout victories in four of their last five District games.

"Seminole gave us their best tonight," MHS coach David Parker said.  "We didn't get a lot of big hits that we are used to getting, but the girls played well and had a big team effort to win the game.

"Our battle cry this season has been 'One Purpose' and that is to win the State championship.  And much like tonight, it will take an entire team effort to accomplish that."

Coach Parker perhaps saw visions of that glory unfold against Seminole as the Lady Loboes played their most complete game of the season.

Heather Schuler (17-1, 7-0) earned the win from the circle for the Green, pitching seven complete innings against the Maidens.  She allowed only three hits the entire game and fanned 10 of the 27 batters she faced, to increase her season total to 114 strikeouts.

But equally as impressive was the MHS defense that backed up Schuler and allowed her to go after the Maidens.

Freshman shortstop Kellie Almanza used her golden glove to frustrate Maiden coach Carol Vaughn throughout the night.

Almanza made an amazing dive for a hard hit ball, snagged it, and had the field presence to throw out the base runner coming hard into second base.

"That was a great play," Parker said.  "She is only a freshman by classification, but plays at an entirely different level.  She just continues to make bit plays for us."

Junior catcher Dina Ortiz displayed the heart and fierce determination that she trademarked at the State volleyball championships the past two seasons, overcoming an eye injury sustained in pre-game, to play perhaps her best game behind the plate.

In Seminole's top half of the second inning, Ortiz sprang from her stance to make an incredible catch on a foul tip to her right side for the third out, as the large Monahans contingent of fans rose to their feet to applaud the all-star type catch.

"There was never a doubt in Dina's mind that she would play tonight," Parker said.  "And that's the type of leadership she gives our team.  That particular play had a big momentum swing for us."

The highlight-reel defensive plays continued as MHS senior Brittany Slade gunned down Lydia Miller at home plate in the top of the third inning, to stop a serious scoring threat by the Maidens.

On the play, SHS pitcher Jenni Morales hit into a sure force out at second, but a throwing error allowed Miller to advance to third before she attempted to run home.  Slade scooped up the ball in left field and launched the bomb to Ortiz at home plate, who then made the tag on the runner for the out.

"What can you say about that?  It was a huge play for us," Parker said.  "Brittany couldn't have made a better throw."

Slade's play on the ball kept Seminole off the scoreboard and preserved the Ladies 1- 0 lead.

Sophomore Bailey Marcum was certain to pick up an All-District vote from Coach Vaughn as she made numerous plays at first base toward the Maidens rally attempts.

Marcum stretched out on several plays to haul in throws for outs.  In the top of the sixth inning, she fielded a hard hit ball by Kelsi Blaylock, regained her feet and beat the runner to first base for the out.

"Bailey amazes me in how she can stretch out and make play after play," Parker said.  "She is no doubt the best first baseman in West Texas."

Brianna Chaney scored the first MHS run in the bottom of the first inning on an RBI double down the third base line by Lana Santiago.

Schuler preserved the 1- 0 lead, striking out five batters through three innings.

In the bottom half of the third inning, Chaney once again scored to the put the Ladies out from 2-0.

On the play, Santiago smashed a 1- 0 Moralez pitch down the third base line, then beat Katie Morris' throw to first, allowing Chaney to score from third base.

Chaney led the way for Monahans on offense, going 2 for 4 at bat and scoring two run in the game.

The top of the fifth inning looked much the same as Schuler blasted pitches by Morris and left-handed batter Bianca Castillo for strikeouts, number eight and nine on the night.

Schuler retired the side in order for the second consecutive inning by getting Miller to chase an 0-2 pitch.  Miller hit the ball high and foul, but Ortiz tracked it down to record the final out of the inning.

MHS gave Coach Parker a little breathing room in their side of the fifth inning.

With two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Moralez faced the meat of the Monahans batting lineup, and needed only one out to end the inning.

However, MHS got base hits from Santiago and Schuler to set the scene for Garcia's thunderous hit into the right field.

Before the play, Coach Parker called timeout to talk with Garcia.

"I just wanted her to take her time and pick her pitch.  She is a power hitter, and I just told her to pick her pitch and give it a ride."

Perhaps a ride was understatement, as Garcia practically ripped the cover off the ball, sending it deep into the right field corner.

Santiago and Kristi Wilson (courtesy runner for Schuler) scored on the big 2-run RBI double by Garcia, and the Lady Loboes added the exclamation point to the 4-0 shut out victory over Seminole.

"My role on third team is to deliver hits" Garcia said.  "It was great to get a big hit like that, especially to go opposite fields.  I just channeled what my dad and Coach Parker tell me and swung the bat."

Garcia has a slugging percentage of .522 in District 3-3A and has 12 RBI's on the season.

Monahans remains the #11 ranked team in Class 3A this week and will get a big test Tuesday night when Fort Stockton comes to town.

The Lady Loboes defeated the Prowlers 11-1 on March 10, but since that time, Fort Stockton has run the tables on District 3-3A and come into the game with a 5-1 league record.

"This is a big stretch in our schedule that starts with Fort Stockton.  We'll need to be on our game and remain focused to win," said Coach Parker.

After the home game with FSHS, Monahans begins road trips that takes them to Pecos, Greenwood and Presidio.

Game time for Monahans-Fort Stockton is 5 pm at the MHS Softball Complex.

Keyed by Melissa Ramirez, Senior.