Sports – Page 2 – The Devine News

Natalia Lady Mustang
Softball takes wins over
Poteet, D’Hanis

Last Friday, March 10th, the Natalia Lady Mustangs took on the Poteet Aggies. The Lady Mustangs took the lead late and defeated Poteet 5-3 on Friday. The Mustangs trailed 3-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning when Marina Billalobos homered on a 1-0 count, scoring three runs. Billalobos led in hits as well, driving in runs on a single in the first, a double in the third, and a home run in the fifth. On the mound Billalobos surrendered three runs on eight hits over seven innings, striking out eight and walking one. Stats for the match are as follows:
Batting: Hits: Skylene Gallegos-1, Saenz-1, Billalobos-3, Laque-1. Runs: Jimenez-2, Skylene Gallegos-1, Seovia-1, Billalobos-1.
Fielding: Outs: Jimenez-8, Skylene Gallegos-1, Saenz-2, Syrene GAllegos-1, Figueroa-3, Segovia-2, Billalobos-2, Laque-2.
Pitching: Billalobos: Hits Allowed-8, Walks-1, Strikeouts-8.
The Mustangs had one match over the break. An early lead helped Natalia defeat D’Hanis 12-6 on Tuesday, March 14th. The girls scored on a single by Araceley Segovia in the first inning and a groundout by Syrene Gallegos in the second inning. The base paths were crowded in this high-scoring game. The Mustangs pulled away for good with two runs in the second inning. In the second Valerie Saenz reached on a dropped third strike and Gallegos grounded out, scoring one run. The Mustangs notched three runs in the sixth inning. Marina Billalobos, Segovia, and Isabel Laque all moved runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning. Billalobos pitched the Mustangs to victory. The pitcher went seven innings, allowing six runs on 13 hits, striking out five and walking one. Laque went deep in the third inning, totaling one home run for the day. The Mustangs scattered ten hits in the game. Segovia, Billalobos, Figueroa, and Laque each collected two hits to lead the Natalia Lady Mustangs in hits. Stats for the match are as follows:
Batting: Hits: Ramirez-1, Skylene Gallegos-1, Figueroa-2, Segovia-2, Billalobos-2, Laque-2. Runs: Ramirez-1, Jimenez-2, Skylene Gallegos-1, Saenz-1, Figueroa-1, Segovia-3, Billalobos-2, Laque-1.
Fielding: Assists: Jimenez-1, Segovia-1, Billalobos-1. Outs: Jimenez-6, Saenz-5, Syrene Gallegos-1, Segovia-3, Billalobos-5, Laque-1.
Pitching: Billalobos: Hits Allowed-13, Walks-1, Strikeouts: 5.
The two wins have put the Lady Mustangs at a 4-1 district record. They will play their rival Lytle Lady Pirates Tuesday, March 21st and Crystal City Friday, March 24th, at home. Make sure to come out and cheer them on. Congratulations and good luck Mustangs!

Jiselle Olivarez claims State
Championship!

Natalia Lady Mustang three time State Champion Jiselle Olivarez takes first place. Congratulations!

Last Thursday, March 16th, Natalia’s Lady Mustangs traveled to the THSWPA State Powerlifting Championship held in Frisco, Texas to compete. Three out of the six Lady Mustangs placed in the state meet. As a team the Lady Mustangs placed third overall. Araceley Segovia placed third in her weight class, Isabel Laque placed fourth in her weight class, and Jiselle Olivarez is now a three time state champion! Way to compete ladies and congratulations on a successful as well as impressive season as it has come to an end.
Jiselle Gonzales, first place, squat 500, bench 305. dead lift 375, total 1180.
Araceley Segovia, third place, squat 435, bench 275, dead lift 355, total 1065.
Isabel Laque, fourth place, squat 295, bench 180, dead lift 315, total 790.
Dominique Banda, eighth place, squat 275, bench 120, dead lift 295, total 690.
Abigail Fulton, tenth place, squat 285, bench 135, dead lift 255, total 675.
Ashley Aguirre, Disqualified, squat 335, bench 145, dead lift 325, total 0.

Pain in Pleasanton, Joy in Jourdanton as Warhorses split pair of games

Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
Devine was one inning from beginning its District 29-4A schedule 3-0. Devine took a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the sixth inning in Pleasanton March 14, but the Eagles finally put the wood on the ball to score three times in the bottom of the sixth to pull out the 3-1 victory.
“It was a heartbreaker, but we really did not do what we needed to do to pull out the win,” Head Coach Heath Poppe stated regarding his squad collecting only four hits and striking out 13 times against Eagle pitching.
Caden Hanson was masterful on the mound for five innings, but ran into a jam in the sixth allowing three earned runs. On 84 pitches, Hanson struck out four, while allowing only four hits and one walk.
Devine’s lone run came after Sam Guardiola opened the second inning on a hit-by-pitch then stole second before scoring on Corey Dirck’s RBI single.
A different story awaited the Horses in Jourdanton as Devine pounded out 11 hits and scored 8 runs in their 8-2 victory last Thursday.
Korbin Campbell got the victory, tossing four innings, giving up one earned run, striking out two, and walking only three on 62 pitches. Shayne Scarbrough came in as relief to throw the final three innings, striking out three and walking four.
Camden White, Jack Schneider, and Henry Ramirez got two hits apiece, while Anthony Saldivar, Gabriel Esquibel, Logan Camarillo, Sam Guardiola, and Corey Dirck each got one hit.
White led the RBI department with three, Dirck was next with two, and Saldivar and Ramirez each knocked home one run.
Up next
Devine is now 8-4-1 overall and 2-1 in district play. They will have played Somerset Tuesday, March 21 at Warhorse Field before matching up against Pearsall on the road March 24.

Lytle’s Natalie Pacheco is
State Champ!

Congratulations to Lytle’s own Natalie Pacheco for placing first at state.

Last Thursday, March 16th, Lytle Lady Pirates Nivea Sanchez, Brianna Paredes, and Natalie Pacheco traveled to the THSWPA State Powerlifting Championship held in Frisco, Texas to compete for gold. Of these three girls, Natalie Pacheco was the only to place, and with a first place title at that! Way to go ladies! Congratulations on a successful season as the 2023 girls powerlifting season has come to an end.
Natalie Pacheco, first place, squat 475, bench 255, dead lift 415, total 1145.
Brianna Paredes, eleventh place, squat 335, bench 120, dead lift 290, total 745.
Nivea Sanchez, disqualified, squat 405, bench 0, dead lift 315, total 0.

Devine’s Neenah Guerrero places 5th at state powerlifting meet

Devine Arabian powerlifter Neenah Guerro places fifth place at state. Congratulations!

Last Friday, March 17th, Devine Arabian senior Neenah Guerrero traveled to compete in the THSWPA Powerlifting State Championship held in Frisco, Texas. Her hard work throughout the season earned her a fifth place title. What’s more impressive is the fact that this was Neenah’s first year being a member of the powerlifting team. Way to compete and congratulations on a successful season!
Neenah Guerrero, first place, squat 250, bench 130, dead lift 225, total 605.

So close to Dome, Lady Pirates Finish tremendous season at Regional Finals

Malakai Castro defends the goal at the State Tournament. The Pirates fell to Childress in the State Semi Finals. Photo by Vori B

Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
Lytle came within three points of playing in the Alamodome this past weekend at the State Tournament as their season ended in the Regional Final game against Columbus 62-59. Lytle won their Regional Semifinal against Rio Hondo 69-48. Lytle finished its season at 27-11.
“Behind the great support we had in Seguin, we scored 31 points in transition and had 19 steals against Rio Hondo! Our defense was too much for the Valley-team to handle. We were up 35-17 at the half and never looked back. Fizz Hutton picked up 500 steals for her career here in Lytle she got the name ‘Pick a Pocket Fizz’!”
The Lady Pirates made it back to the Regional Final, or the “Elite 8” as Coach Wilson likes to refer to it.
“This time we knew we had a chance to advance to the dome if everything worked out. We knew we were facing a good Columbus team, but we felt our defense could get us past them.”
Lytle was down by three after the first quarter, 14-11, but Calyssa Sevier hit a big three-pointer that helped her team to a 29-25 halftime lead.
That momentum quickly faded as Columbus went on a 22-10 third-quarter scoring-spree to take a 47-39 lead into what would become the last eight minutes of the quarter for the Lady Pirates.
“We had a rough 3rd quarter,” was Wilson’s statement regarding that ill-fated eight-minute stretch.
Lytle was not going to give up the ship, however, and fought back to outscore Columbus 20-15 in the final frame.
“We took the lead with 1:40 left in the game, but we were in foul trouble. The first one to go was Katara then after we took the lead by one.”
Sevier fouled out moments later, followed by Cadee Martinez.
“Calyssa got the hot hand that brought us back, but she got called for a tick-tack foul and had to leave the game with 5 fouls. We are still up at that point, though, but then Caddie got called for a tick-tack foul as well. Now, three of our five starters are not on the floor.
The remaining two starters and reserves who were ready for the moment almost brought Lytle a Regional Championship.
“We still have a chance to tie the game, only down by three points. Fizz tried for a three, but it was short and time ran out.”
It was quite the season for the Lady Pirates. A season that saw them play a rigorous schedule in hopes that it would propel them to the Final Four in the Alamodome. The team came up just short of that goal, but created so many good memories for themselves, their coaches, and for the community of Lytle.
“All year long if you have watched these girls, we play hard defense and never have never had three starters fouled out of any game. To get some of the calls we got in a Regional Final game was heartbreaking. If you were in the gym you felt the heartbreak and saw the tears. This will be one of those games that will be talked about for years to come!”
The support that Lytle generated throughout the season was simply amazing.
“What I loved about this season is the support from the community. People always say Lytle has no spirit, well, we sure proved them wrong. I had alumni from all years calling and texting how proud they were of the team and that is what it is all about. To represent your community with pride and to see their excitement and having them feel good about our little town is amazing. This season may have come to an end but the memories will last a lifetime.”
Lytle returns seven players from this team for the 2023-2024 season, and Wilson is high on her 8th grade group that will be freshmen next year.
Even so, saying goodbye to seniors is never an easy thing, especially to a senior group that has put Lytle’s name on the map in girls basketball.
“I feel for seniors Cadee Martinez, Fizz Hutton, Mac Sessom, and Rose Scotello. For the last three years, they (Cadee and Fizz) have been part of a team that combined for more than 60 plus wins, 3 District Titles, back-to-back Regional Final Appearances, and 10 golden balls in all. I have to say that is an incredible resume. They gave everything they had and they will be remembered forever as the Lytle basketball team that made history!”
Big Thanks!
“I want to thank everyone that followed us all season, and for all the support. I will not personally thank anyone because I know I would leave someone off, but we know who you are! It was a great ride, but everything great has to end sometime…I just wish we would have had one more week.”
Combined stats
Calyssa Sevier had an incredible showing in the Regional Tournament this girl is the real deal 65 points 13 rebounds 5 assists 12 deflections 16 steals 2 charges; Fizz Hutton 26 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, 22 deflections, 12 steals, 1 charge; Cadee Martinez 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 deflections; Katara Whitfield 14 points, 18 rebounds, 1 block, 1 assist, 5 deflections, 1 steal; Amelia Martinez 2 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 deflections, 4 steals; Mac Sessom 3 points, 4 rebounds, 4 deflections, 2 steals; Arianna Garcia 2 points, 1 rebound.

Arabian Softball vs Uvalde, Poteet; 2-2 district record

Devine Varsity Arabian #1 Natalie Valle hits a double and called safe at second.

Last Tuesday, March 7th, the Devine Arabian softball team traveled to Uvalde to play their third district game of the season. Strong pitching and limited error in the field won the match for the Arabians 3-0. The win puts the girls at a district record of 2-1, two losses; one win. Pitcher Hilary Barnett threw a shutout, lasting seven innings, allowing five hits and zero runs while striking out 11 and walking zero. In the batter’s box the Arabians tallied seven hits. Denise Contreras and Natalie Valle led the team with two hits each. Stats for the match are as follows:
Batting: Singles: Natalie Valle-2, Angelina Rios-1, Maddie Brown-1, Denise Contreras-2. Triples: Yaya Rodriguez-1. Runs: Valle-2, Rodriguez-1.
Fielding: Assists: Valle-1. Outs: Valle-1, Rios-1, Kynedie Cruz- 1, Kate Featherly-2, Barnett-2, Allie Dugosh-1, Rodriguez-11, Skylar Blanton-2.
Pitching: Barnett: Hits Allowed-5, Strikeouts-11.
Friday, March 10th, the Arabians hosted a match against Carrizo Springs. The Arabians trampled Carrizo a whopping 13-3. A threat on the mound and the batter’ box, Hilary Barnett tallied 4 hits; a single, two doubles, and a home run. On the mound, Barnett surrendered three runs on five hits over five innings, striking out ten and walking one. Varsity Arabians Kate Featherly and Angelina Rios were threats in the batter’s box as well with a home run each. As a team the Arabians totaled 15 hits. Yaya Rodriguez, Denise Contreras, and Hilary Barnett each collected multiple hits, and Natalie Valle, Kynedie Cruz, Kate Featherly, and Allie Dugosh each made contact with one. The win settled the girls at a district record of 2-2.
Batting: Singles: Rodriguez-2, Cruz-1, Barnett-1, Dugosh-1. Doubles: Valle-1, Rios-1, Rodriguez-1, Barnett-2, Contreras-1. Triples: Contreras-1. Home Runs: Rios-1, Featherly-1, Barnett-1. Runs: Valle-1, Rios-1, Rodriguez-3, Cruz-1, M Rivera-2, Featherly-1, Barnett-1, Dugosh-1, Contreras-2.
Fielding: Outs: Valle-1, Rodriguez-10, Featherly-2, Contreras-2.
Pitching: Barnett: Hits Allowed-5, Walks-1, Strikeouts- 10.

Natalia Lady
Mustang Softball

Varsity Natalia Mustang #5 Skylene Gallegos makes contact with the ball. By MB.

Last Tuesday, March 7th, the Natalia Lady Mustangs defeated Luling 10-0! The Natalia Lady Mustangs racked up eight hits for the day. Threats in the batter’s box for the match include Isabel Laque,Kody Blanquiz, Kira Jimenez, and Marina Billalobos. Leading the Mustangs in hits were Jimenez with 3, and Blanquiz with 2. Blanquiz and Billalobos worked together to pitch a shut-out. Blanquiz lasted four and two-thirds innings, allowing seven hits and zero runs while striking out four and walking one. Billalobos lasted one-third of an inning, allowing zero hits and zero runs while walking zero. Stats for the match are as follows:
Batting: Singles: Blanquiz-2, Vera-1, Jimenez-1, Gallegos-1, Laque-1. Doubles: Jimenez-2. Runs: Blanquiz-2, Vera-1, Ramirez-2, Figueroa-2, Segovia-1, Billalobos-2.
Fielding: Assists: Segovia-1. Outs: Blanquiz-3, Jimenez-4, Skylene Gallegos-1, Syrene Gallegos-2, Abigail Figueroa-1, Segovia-3, Laque-1.
Pitching: Blanquiz: Hits Allowed-7, Walks-1, Strikeouts-4. Billalobos: Hits Allowed-0, Walks-0, Strikeouts-0.
Friday, March 10th, the Mustangs took on the Poteet Aggies. The Lady Mustangs were down 3-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning when Billalobos brought in three runs with a home run, winning the match 5-3! Billalobos pitched all seven innings as well. The Mustang surrendered three runs on eight hits over seven innings, striking out eight and walking one. Threats in the batter’s box were Billalobos with 3 hits , Gallegos with 1, Saenz with 1, and Laque with 1. Stats for the match are as follows:
Batting: Singles: Skylene Gallegos-1, Valerie Saenz-1, Marina Billalobos-1. Doubles: Billalobos-1, Isabel Laque-1. Home Runs: Billalobos-1. Runs: Kira Jimenez-2, Gallegos-1, Araceley Segovia-1, Billalobos-1.
Fielding: Outs: Jimenez-8, Skylene Gallegos-1, Saenz-2, Syrene Gallegos-1, Abigail Figueroa-3, Segovia-2, Billalobos-2, Laque-2.
Pitching: Billalobos: Hits Allowed- 8, Walks- 1, Strikeouts- 8.

Warhorse Regional recap; Seth DeLeon on to State
Powerlifting Meet!

Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
Seth DeLeon punched his ticket to the State Powerlifting Meet in Abilene March 24 with his 1,200lb effort in the 148lb weight class at Regional. DeLeon, Juan Rendon, Diego Mendoza, Joe Guerrero, and Zach Martinez all competed for the chance to advance to the final meet of the season last Friday in Kingsville.
Seth totaled 1,210lb to get the automatic state bid in his class by squatting 460, benching 315, and deadlifting 435 to finish 4th overall in Region 5 Division 2.
Juan Rendon (114lb) totaled 725lb by squatting 280, benching 145, and deadlifting 300 to finish 11th in the region.
Diego Mendoza (123lb) totaled 860lb by squatting 375, benching 175, and deadlifting 310 to finish 9th in the region.
Joe Guerrero (123) totaled 840lb by squatting 315, benching 195, and deadlifting 330 to finish 10th in the region.
Zach Martinez (198lb) totaled 1,335lb by squatting 520, benching 365, and deadlifting 450 to finish 9th in the region.
Congratulations to all Warhorse lifters, and best of luck to Seth at State March 24 in Abilene!

Seth DeLeon punched his ticket to the State Powerlifting Meet in Abilene March 24 with his 1,200lb effort in the 148lb weight class at Regional.

Warhorse powerlifters (left to right): Joe Guerrero, Zach Martinez, Diego Mendoza, Seth Deleon. Not Pictured; Juan Rendon.

4 Lytle Lifters Statebound,
several compete at regionals

Lytle has three lady pirate lifters who are Statebound in Powerlifting including Natalie Pacheco, Nivea Sanchez, and Brianna Paredes. They will head to state on March 16th in Frisco.
Pacheco placed 1st in her weight class and set the regional record for deadlift twice, first at 390 then again at 410 pounds! She is also ranked 1st in the state heading into the state meet! Nivea Sanchez placed 2nd in her weight class and Brianna Paredes qualified by reaching her qualifying total.
In the boy’s side, Pirates Mario Diaz, Luke Estrada, and Robert Inming qualified for Regionals. Mario Diaz earned 1st place in his weight class and the Outstanding Deadlifter Award, officially punching his ticket to the State Meet in Abilene. Robert Inming and Luke Estrada gave their all and gained great regional experience.
“These kids continue to push boundaries, and again I am so proud to be your coach,” said Coach Melissa Gomez in a recent post.

State Qualifying Lytle Lady Pirates Natalie Pacheco, Nivea Sanchez, and Brianna Paredes. They will head to state on March 16th in Frisco.

Regional Qualifying Lytle Pirates (left to right): Luke Estrada, Mario Diaz (state qualifier), and Robert Inming.