The softball Sharkettes were playing hard ball last week as they rolled undefeated through five games to win the championshiop of the Bloomington Tournament and improved their record to 7-2 on the season.Pitcher Estela Gutierrez and Chelsea Slaughter were both named to the All-Tournament Team.
In the championship finale the Sharkettes blasted host Bloomington 16-0 in three innings to take the tourney crown.
The Sharkettes jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the first and added 6 more in the bottom of the second. After Bloomington’s futility at the plate continued in the top the third, the Sharkettes continued their offensive domination in the bottom half with another 5 runs scored and a call by the umps for the ‘Mercy Rule’ to end the game.
The battery of Gutierrez and Slaughter combined to hold the Lady Bobcats to one hit and no runs. Gutierrez was 3 for 3 at the plate with 3 runs scored. Slaughter was 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI’s.
Erica Serna was a beast in the batter’s box as she went 3 for 3, scored 3 times and drove in 4 RBI. Lexie Espindola was a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate, crossing home 3 times and knocking in 2 runners.
Vanessa Eufracio was 2 for 3, scored once and brought home 3 runners. Maria Gutierrez was 2 for 2 with one run scored; Kayla Quinney 1 for 1 with one run scored; Isabella Alaniz was 1 for 2, scored twice and tallied 1 RBI.
“This was a great confidence builder for the girls,” said coach Yvette Garcia. “All the girls were aggressive at the plate and wanted to hit the ball.”
The Sharkettes opened the tourney with a 8-1 drumming of the Lady Bobcats of Bloomington.
Palacios then gave Faith Academy fits in the second round with a 13-1 win.
In the third round, Palacios faced off with rival Tidehaven and the Sharkettes trounced the Tigerettes 9-3.
Palacios squared off with Faith Academy for a rematch in round four with the Sharkettes again coming out on top with a 5-3 win, the closest contest of the tourney for the Sharkettes.
Slaughter finished the tourney 7 for 11 at the plate, six runs and a team high 8 RBI’s. E. Gutierrez was 7 for 12, scored 8 runs and drove in 4. Serna finished with 6 hits in 13 at bats with 5 runs scored and 6 RBI’s. Espindola was not one to be outdone as she went 6 for 12 with 7 runs scored and 5 RBI’s. Alaniz was also 6 for 12 with 7 runs and 1 RBI. M. Gutierrez hit safely in 5 of 13 chances, scored 6 and drove in 3. Eufracio recorded 5 hits in 11 at bats, scored 3 and drove in 7. Quinney tallied 6 hits in 9 at bats, scored 4 times and drove in 3. Devon Polk was 4 for 8 with 4 runs scored.
“As the year progresses, I want the girls to believe in themselves and to play aggressively both offensively and defensively, no matter the outcome,” said coach Garcia.
The Sharkettes looked to add to their 7-2 record on Tuesday (March 9) when they were to host Van Vleck. Palacios then takes to the road to compete in the San Marcos Tourney this Thursday-Saturday (March 11-13).
A Palacios Little League meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday (March 10) at the KC Hall. All those interesed are invited to attend to discuss tryouts and the upcoming season.
The softball Sharkettes were playing hard ball last week as they rolled undefeated through five games to win the championshiop of the Bloomington Tournament and improved their record to 7-2 on the season.
The Sharks basketball team had two players selected to the 28-3A All-District team.
THERE was plenty of hard-hitting action in last Friday’s crucial soccer match between the Sharks and Angleton. Above, Joaquin Zamora comes close to getting a kick in the head as he makes a head shot. Below, Juan Contreras goes head-to-head with an Angleton player as both battle for the ball. The Sharks stayed alive in the playoff race as they battled the Wildcats to a 2-2 tie in District 46-4A action. Coach Jose Ortiz’s Sharks, 2-4-1 in district play and 8-5-1 overall, were to play at Bay City on Tuesday (March 9) and then travel to West Columbia on Friday for the regular season finale. The Sharkette soccer team lost its match to Angleton, 9-0. (Beacon Photos by Nick West)