From staff reports
San Marcos — The San Marcos Lady Rattlers were in Corpus Christi last weekend, using the Bay Area Classic Tournament as a final warm-up before the team begins District 17-4A play this week.
The Lady Rattlers went 2-1 and placed second in pool play on Thursday, opening the tournament with a 9-0 win over Corpus Christi-Miller, suffering a loss to second-ranked Vista Ridge in the second game before bouncing back with a 5-1 win over San Antonio-Highlands.
The team struggled Friday morning in morning game to Corpus Christi-Moody, and then followed with a 5-4, extra-inning loss to Corpus Christi-King.
The team was scheduled to conclude tournament play Saturday afternoon.
SMHS head coach Cathy Stoughton said the tournament is serving its purpose, allowing each player some time on the field before the team begins district play Monday night at Del Valle.
“We’re playing well at times but we have little margin for error against the teams we are seeing,” Stoughton said. “Still, we are gaining experience every games, and that’s what is important.”
Stoughton also evaluated four different starters on the mound at the tournament.
Krista Bost recorded the win against Miller, Jessica Vilalpando lost against Vista Ridge and Moody, Danielle Ricks pitched the win against Highlands and Danielle Doria pitched in the loss to King.
“I’m giving all the pitchers work since this is our last tournament before we start district on Monday,” Stoughton said.
Stoughton said she has been encouraged with what she has seen so far this season, considering one of the team’s key players, catcher Jenna Gonzales, has been out with an injury since Feb. 13.
“She’s a key player, but Anyssa Gonzales and Rene Contreras are doing a nice job filling in for us at catcher,” Stoughton said. “Overall, we’re getting better but there is always room to improve.”
San Marcos’ District 17-4A opener at Del Valle is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, as the team will then host the annual SMHS Spring Break Classic starting Thursday.
