Although two Natalia Lady Mustangs made the cut and were on the voting ballot, only one survived the state-wide votes cast by sports writers from the Red River to the Rio Grande Valley.
Freshman Lady Mustang standout Biviana Figueroa was named to the Class 3A All-State Honorable Mention team for her performance not only defensively as a catcher for the girls in blue, but also for her performance offensively.
“I am very proud of Biviana,” Natalia Head Coach Travis Crowley said. “She showed true leadership all year long for our young squad. She was not only a threat at the plate (struck out twice all year), but she led our defense as well, which allowed her to win the Defensive MVP for our district. She is a great kid with an even better work ethic and I am excited about her future.”
Figueroa, who has already begun to receive Division I Softball scholarship offers, was a two-way leader for the Lady Mustangs. She had a team best batting average of .582 which included 57 hits out of 98 at bats, and accounted for 35 RBIs, 11 doubles, six triples, and three home runs during her freshman season. She also had a .683 on base percentage and a .908 slugging percentage as well as 13 stolen bases.
Defensively, she had an impressive .979 fielding percentage, which included 142 put-outs out on 145 opportunities. She also threw out 28 of 32 runners who were brave enough to test her cannon arm.
Figueroa joined the following catchers on the Honorable Mention list: Kenna Lange, Hallettsville; Cassie Pavlas, West; Annika Canaba, Alpine; Kaleigh McClure, Arp; Taylor Malett, Bangs; Maddy Smith, Trinity; Kacie Johnson, Lexington; Julian Jones, Industrial; Savana Waters, Amarillo River Road.
The TSWA releases a 1st, 2nd 3rd and Honorable Mention All-State team yearly for each of the team sports.
By Eric Smith