Monahans Finishes First Half 6-0 In District 3-3A Softball
   By Randy Hogan-Staff Writer - The Monahans News, March 31, 2006

Dina Ortiz blasted a two-run third inning homerun that sparked Monahans to their tenth shutout victory of the season, and the Lady Loboes defeated Lamesa 11- 0 on the road Tuesday to remain undefeated in District 3-3A.

Monahans (18-4,6-0) closed the first half of District play by routing the Golden Tornadoes in five innings as the ten-run rule was invoked.

MHS shelled Lamesa pitcher Ali Borrego, pounding out 11 runs on 9 hits in the game.

Heather Schuler (16-1) picked up the win for Monahans, striking out 10 of the 16 Golden Tors she faced, while allowing only one hit in the game.

Lamesa catcher Jaycee Bara was the lone batter to record a hit against Schuler, as the MHS pitcher was on target the entire night, recording 45 strikes out of 54 pitches.

"We're halfway through District (3-3A) play, and we're feeling pretty good," said MHS coach David Parker.  "We really had it going today."

Monahans put two runs on the scoreboard in the top of the first inning, then added three runs in the second inning to take a 5-0 lead.

Ortiz destroyed a Borrego pitch in the third inning to pick up her first homerun of the season, and sparked a four-run inning for Monahans.

The Lady Loboes added their final two points in the fourth inning, and the MHS defense secured the shutout victory for Schuler.

Ortiz led the night for Monahans hitting 2-for-3, including a homerun and two RBI's.  She also accounted for two runs in the blowout victory.

Brianna Chaney's "hot bat" continued as she went 2-for-3 at the plate while scoring two runs.

Lana Santiago pounded out a run and 2 RBI's as she went 1-for-3 at bat on the night, including a double.

MHS leadoff batter Ashton Jarrett successfully filled her role by scoring two runs in the game.

Bailey Marcum improved her District batting average to .750, going 1-for-1 at the plate, picking up an RBI and scoring a run.

Kaitlin Mitchell and Kellie Almanza each scored a run, and Almanza recorded her seventh RBI of the season.

Power hitter Erin Garcia added a double in the game, solidifying the Monahans' hit parade against Borrego.

The Lady Loboes will begin the second half of District 3-3A play Friday, as they host Seminole at 5 pm at the MHS Softball Complex.

The Maidens upset Greenwood two weeks ago in Midland, and Coach Parker isn't overlooking anyone on the schedule."

"It just proves what we talk about every week," Parker said.  "Anything can happen on any given day.  I think Greenwood overlooked Seminole.  We want to maintain our focus and play one game at a time."

Keyed by Melissa Ramirez, Senior