On Friday, three Harlingen-area softball teams went into the third round of the playoffs, but by Saturday only one remained.
The San Benito Lady Greyhounds swept Eagle Pass in their Class 6A regional quarterfinal playoff series to return to the round of 16 for the first time since 2015.
The Lady Hounds will now face New Braunfels Canyon in a one-game, winner-take-all regional semifinal at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Sinton High School.
After easily winning Game 1 against Eagle Pass on Friday, 10-3, the Lady Hounds had to rally in Game 2 on Saturday afternoon to close out the series.
Tied at 3 going into the seventh and final inning of Game 2, the Lady Hounds got timely hitting from Sarah Garcia to take a 5-3 lead.
Although Eagle Pass fought back and scored a run in the bottom of the seventh, the Lady Hounds held on for a 5-4 victory behind a solid pitching performance by junior Nana Carrizales.
“I couldn’t be any prouder of our team,” said Lady Hounds head coach Denise Lira after Saturday’s game. “Over the season they have worked through obstacles and have worked on their mental game along with improving their skills on the field. We’re going to enjoy this win then get back to work on Monday to prepare for another tough opponent next week.”
New Braunfels Canyon beat San Antonio Holmes in the regional quarterfinals to advance to this weekend’s contest. Prior to that, the Cougarettes defeated Buda Hays in the area round and San Antonio Brennan in the bi-district round.
The winner of Friday’s game will advance to the Region IV-6A final against either San Antonio Warren or Edinburg Vela, which beat Harlingen South this past weekend. Warren and Vela will play in a best-of-3 series at Texas A&M-Kingsville beginning Friday.
If you go
San Benito vs NB Canyon
-What: Class 6A regional semifinal
-When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
-Where: Sinton High School, 400 N. Pirate Blvd., Sinton
-Note: Winner will face either SA Warren or Edinburg Vela in Region IV-6A final
