The Natalia Lady Mustangs were impressive in their season opener this past Monday night. Old rival Lytle was in town, for their first non-district battle in three years.
It was a cool brisk evening, but the Natalia offense kept things hot as they blasted 13 hits including a two-run home-run by sophomore catcher and Lamar University commit Biviana Figueroa to produce ten runs.
Defensively, junior pitcher Daniella Garza held her own on the mound, with a commanding effort that accounted for 11 Ks as she scattered just three Lytle hits around.
As a result, the girls in blue dominated the black and gold with a 10-1 victory setting the tone for the season as they prepare for a two day Kerrville Tivy Tournament this coming Friday and Saturday.
“I am very proud of how we competed against Lytle,” Coach Travis Crowley said. “We did not allow this game to be too big for many of our freshman who started in their first game of their career.”
Speaking of freshmen, one who stood out from the start of the contest comes from a bloodline of athletes. Short-stop Jimena went 3-4 offensively with 2 RBIs on the night to lead the offense. She also had two put-outs and one assist defensively.
Her sister, sophomore Biviana Figuero was right there as well with a hot bat, going 3-3-3RBIs-3runs batted in with a two run home-run that came in 5th inning.
After trailing 1-0 after an inning and a half, Natalia rallied back scoring a run in the 2nd inning, one in the 3rd, six runs in the 4th and two in the 5th allowing the 10-1 victory.
“We played well in all phases of the game and hopefully this will spring board us to a successful season,” Crowley said. “Our younger girls played well. Jimena Figueroa had a huge game for us in her first varsity outing defensively as well as at the plate. Garza also commanded the circle and kept Lytle off balance all night.”
Stats: Pitching: Garza Pitched 7.0, allowed three hits, struck out 11, walked 2, allowed 1 run, 0 earned runs. At Bat- Garza 2-4-1run scored, Trista Vera 2-4-1run scored, Felicia Guzman 2-4-1double-2RBIs, Gabby Contreras 0-1, J. Figueroa 3-4-1double-2RBIs-2runs scored, KK Lara 0-2-1RBI-1run scored, Bryanna Perez 0-1, Dezarae Perez 0-0-1-run scored, JuJu Morales 0-4, Megan Castro 0-1, Gabi Sontoya 1-2-1run scored, Biviana Figueroa 3-3-1home-run-3-RBIs-3runs scored.
Defensive Leaders: Put-Outs: B. Figueroa 11, D. Perez 6, J. Figueroa 2.
Meet the Lady Mustangs
Natalia is returning seven starters from their 20-9-2 squad from a season ago. Starters include Sophomore Biviana Figueroa, Senior Felicia Guzman, junior Daniella Garza, Senior JuJu Morales, Sophomore Gabby Contreras, sophomore Gabi Sontoya and sophomore Bryanna Perez. Returning lettermen include sophomore Dezarae Perez and junior Sam Sanchez. Incoming freshmen include Jimena Figueroa, Trista Vera, Megan Castro and KK Lara.
Upcoming Tournament
Natalia returns to Kerrville this Friday for a third straight season to compete in the Lady Antler Tournament. Natalia opens tourney play Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. vs. the 2A Junction Lady Eagles. At 10:30 a.m., the Lady Mustangs will square off against 5A Floresville for the first time in 10+ seasons on the softball diamond. The final tourney game of the day will begin at 3:00 p.m. as the Lady Mustangs battle the 5A Boerne Champion Lady Chargers.
On Saturday, Natalia returns to action. Although they will be short-handed due to a conflicting event, they will be ready to battle starting with a game at noon vs. 5A Medina Valley. The final tourney game will be at 3:00 p.m. vs. hosts 5A Kerrville Tivy.
Natalia will be open on Tuesday, February 20th as they prepare for a tournament the following weekend in Jourdanton.
By Eric Smith