Loboes Beat Midland Christian In Extra Innings
    By Jessica Ray, Staff Writer~~~ The Monahans News   May 7, 2007

If last week's loss to Odessa High forced a buckled-down from the Lady Loboes, it couldn't have come at a better time.  Monahans faced Midland Christian Tuesday night for one more warm-up game before playoffs, and it was evident that the Ladies had been working hard.

In February, the Lady Loboes celebrated an 8-5 win over Midland Christian, which the Lady Mustangs avenged in early March by giving Monahans a 5-6 loss.  Tuesday night's games gave the Lady Loboes a chance to settle the score.  As Monahans head softball coach David Parker said at the Spring Sports Banquet, the team was looking to prove that the win earlier in the year was not a fluke.  The Lady Loboes confirmed their softball competence Tuesday in a 2-1 nine-inning victory.

Monahans took the lead with a run in the first inning.  The Lady Mustangs answered with a home run in the third to tie the game 1-1.

The innings were quick for both sides, as the game stayed locked in a tie through the eighth inning.  The game went in international tie breaker in the ninth.  Midland was unable to capitalize on the rule in the top, but Lana Santiago sent Dina Ortiz home for a game-winning run in the bottom.

The next game for the team will be against Snyder for the Area title.  Snyder is District 3's second place team.

"I absolutely think we are ready for Snyder or anyone else for that matter.  That was the best defensive performance we've had in the two years that I've been here," said Coach Parker.  "Based on what I saw from Snyder this past weekend, if we play as well as we did (Tuesday night), we should win the series in two games."

If Monahans beats Snyder Friday, the next opponent will be the winner between Fabens, District1 winner, and Levelland, the winner of District 4.

The Lady Loboes will play Snyder for the Area title on Friday night.  The first game in the series will begin at 7 pm Friday night in Midland at Freddie Ezell Softball Complex.

keyed by Alvin Porras, senior '07