Softball team keeps the search for answers against Jarrell

• Junior Cheyenne Blair touches home plate during the second inning to score a run for the Lady Mustangs.

The Marble Falls High School softball team lost to Jarrell 28-11 in four innings April 2.

“To me, the biggest surprise is how long it took us to get out of another inning,” head coach Alex Lozoya said. "I'm very disappointed and very surprised how long it took some of our leaders who play year around to say 'let's pick it up.'" Jarrell led 2-1 after the first inning. But in the second inning, the Lady Cougars made it a point to attack the left side. The Lady Cougars scored 13 runs with Marble Falls answering with 7 of its own to make the score 15-8 going into the third inning.

“They wore out that 5-6 hole-centerfield gap," the coach said. "It's hard to compete against a team that sees beach balls and swings the bat well.”

Coaches made a couple of pitching changes during the contest. Sophomore Marisol Ramos finished the game.

“I appreciated her competitiveness,” Lozoya said. “She went in and pounded the strike zone. They hit it.”

While Jarrell hit the ball well, the Lady Mustangs weren't consistent enough at getting to grounders to make high-percentage throws for outs. Instead, the ball roll past the infield where outfielders had to throw as the Lady Cougars' speed helped them round bases quickly.

Lozoya commended those who have short memories and don't dwell on mishaps.

“I appreciate the competitive spirit from a Sophia Biagini, an Aydan Ortis, an Emma Cayce, a Cheyenne Thompson,” he said. “They are nextpitch athletes, next-pitch ball players.”

Marble Falls welcomes Lampasas Friday, April 5, with the junior varsity scheduled for 5 p.m. and the varsity at 7 p.m.

Jennifer Fierro publishes reports about area youth athletic events on her website TexasChalk-Talk.com. To send her a note, email fierrojennifer@yahoo.com.