Weslaco High eyes chance at State Tourney, seniors ready for regional final

WESLACO — Weslaco High had a strong attempt from the underclassmen to help the Panthers return to the state softball tournament, only to narrowly fall short the past two seasons, but this year is different.

The Panthers have another chance to qualify for the state tournament when they take on San Antonio Brennan in a three-game series beginning at 8 p.m. today at Cabaniss in Corpus Christi.

Weslaco High reached the regional championship two seasons ago, losing to eventual state champions San Antonio O’Connor, then eliminated again by O’Connor last season, but that was in the third round. There are a good number of Panthers on the team who have gained experience over the past two seasons and will need that exposure in the playoffs against Brennan.

Weslaco High senior second baseman Mia Rodriguez was in the crowd in 2016 when the Panthers played in the state semifinals and ultimately lost to Pearland. Rodriguez said the atmosphere was tense as a fourth-grader watched from the stands as her father, head coach Mario Rodriguez, coached the Panthers.

“I remember I was always getting taken out of school on the weekends to go watch the team play,” Rodriguez said. “I probably didn’t quite understand what was going on in some ways, but I remember the environment, being with my mother and how stressed she was. It all just keeps coming back.

Rodriguez is grateful to be able to be part of a program with a winning tradition after growing up her life around it. Mario Rodriguez took over when the second baseman was a baby, 18 years ago.

Rodriguez is one of the team’s key hitters and an experienced infielder who will play at Midland College next year. The Panthers infield is senior-heavy with other collegiate talent.

Senior first baseman Elizabeth Craig is one of the best first basemen in the area with one of the best stretches in the state. Craig also has a terrific bat and will play at Angelina College in Nacogdoches next year.

The goal in practice this week for the Panthers was to really hammer, focus and be precise – said the first baseman.

“We need to make few or no mistakes in the next few games and really focus on what we can control,” added Craig.

Throwing to Craig from the opposite corner is another standout senior third baseman, Alexis Soliz.

Soliz will attend Texas A&M Kingsville next year. Soliz is also one of the best in the area at her position and expects a lot of work this series at third base. Brennan doesn’t have many home runs this season, but this is a very good hitting team.

“They are very fast,” Soliz said. “We just have to play our game and everything will be fine.”

Rodriguez, Craig, Soliz and Romy Nuñez all hit home runs against Lake Travis in the fourth round. Nuñez is also part of the infield and plays behind the plate, but also takes on the role of designated hitter.

Nuñez signed with Schreiner University in Kerrville in January.

“Our bats are great, (Madelynn Cantu) is doing great, our lineup has been consistent and we just have to continue to play our game the way we have been,” Nuñez said.

Weslaco High’s game is a strong, hard-hitting lineup that can score points quickly and with excellent defense behind Cantu, the Panthers’ hard-working sophomore pitcher, they have been excellent in the playoffs – with an 8- mark. 2 in the playoffs so far. Sophomore shortstop Andrea Ortiz and sophomore Clarissa Mejia rotate with Nuñez at catcher and designated hitter to round out the infield.

Senior Ema Galvan is joined by Dayla Hinojosa and Lola Reyes in the outfield. All three also have some power in their bats, but are also excellent around the bases. The Panthers bench is loaded with fast runners and a strong pinch hitter hitters.

Brennan isn’t going to be easy and was one of the most likely teams in the area to join Weslaco High in the regional championship. Bears pitcher Bryannah Campos is a strong lefty who struck out 27 batters in three games against Schertz Clemens in the regional semifinals.

Rodriguez, Craig, Soliz and Nuñez all spoke fondly of their time in the program, playing youth softball not only in Weslaco, but across the Valley and will look to spend one more week in purple and white.