The Natalia Lady Mustang Softball program wrapped up scrimmage action with a cold and wet Junior Varsity scrimmage last Saturday versus 6A Robert E. Lee. This concluded two weeks of scrimmages for the JV and Varsity squads.
“The JV braved the frigid weather and had a great showing against Lee,” Coach Tamara Bednorz said. “We had several players that had base hits and made some key plays on defense.”
On press night, the 2019 Natalia Lady Mustangs were set to open their season on the road in Kerr County versus the Ingram Tom Moore Lady Warriors. This was just an appetizer, for what will be a competitive three days of action this weekend at the Kerrville Tournament.
The Varsity wrapped up their scrimmage action on February 4th at home against the St. Anthony Lady Jackets. Natalia overwhelmed the San Antonio Private School dominating them both offensively and defensively.
“We came out swinging hard to start the scrimmage,” Coach Bednorz said. “I feel we played tough, and we are going to be a tough squad as the season progresses.”
Natalia’s Freshman Abi Woodson got the scrimmage start and retired her first nine batters. Senior Daniella Garza came in later in the scrimmage and also fared well on the mound.
“We did a great job at the plate and were able to lay down a couple of crucial bunts and had some key hits with runners on,” Bednorz said.
The Kerrville Tournament will begin Thursday as the Lady Stangs open play versus 5A El Paso Burges at 12:00 noon at Schreiner University. The final game of the day will be a first ever meeting versus the San Angelo Central Lady Cats.
On Friday, the Lady Stangs return for a 9:00 a.m. battle at Schreiner University against the Pleasanton Lady Eagles. The final game of the day will be at the same field, versus San Angelo Lake View.
Natalia returns to Tivy Field Saturday morning for a 9:00 a.m. finale versus the 5A Boerne Champion Lady Chargers.
The only teams Natalia will not face in the tournament are Blanco, Floresville and Kerrville Tivy.
Express News watch list- Natalia Junior catcher Biviana Figueroa made the San Antonio Express News as a “Player to watch” for the 2019 season. The Express News also mentioned Natalia as a 3A team to keep your eyes on this season.
The Lady Mustangs will use their returning experience as well as the talented freshman incoming class to make plenty of noise this year.
“This team is looking strong early and a lot of it is how dedicated they are outside of school as well,” Bednorz said. “We are looking forward to a rewarding season.”
“This team overall is looking strong and a lot of it has to do with their dedication outside of school”
The Natalia JV will travel to Uvalde for a two day tournament on Friday and Saturday. Natalia opens the tourney at 12:30 p.m. versus Bandera before games at 2:15 p.m. versus Eagle Pass CC Winn with a finale at 5:45 versus the Devine Arabians.
Other teams in the JV Tournament include Uvalde, Del Rio, Sabinal and Carrizo Springs.
Dependent on how they do in pool play will determine what time they play on Saturday.
On Tuesday, February 19th the 6A Churchill Lady Chargers come to town for a 6:00 p.m. JV and a 7:30 p.m. Varsity contest. This will be the first meeting between the two programs.
By Eric Smith