Rio Hondo is riding high into its first-ever regional final and a key factor to the Lady Bobcats’ run has been their pitching.
The Valley Morning Star sat down with senior pitchers Jennifer Flores and Miranda Martinez to discuss the Lady Cats’ remarkable postseason run.
Jennifer Flores
Q: How did your arm feel after Game 2 of the regional semifinal series against Wimberley on Saturday?
A: After the game my arm was very sore and it felt very weak, but I knew I could do all I could for my team.
Q: Between Game 1 and Game you pitched 18 innings. Was that the most you’ve ever pitched?
A: Yes, it was the longest I’ve ever pitched in my career.
Q: Walk me through Game 1 and 2. How did you keep your mental edge?
A: The series was one of the most interesting games I was able to be a part of. I knew I had to step up as a leader for my team and keep my composure to let everyone know we would come out with the win.
Q: Was the 15-inning Game 2 the craziest game you’ve ever been a part of?
A: Yes, that game was by far the toughest, craziest game I had ever been a part of. I am very proud of my teammates on how they performed.
Q: How where you able to handle the rain delay in Game 2?
A: During the delay my coach told me to stay warm and keep stretching, so when I came back in to warm up I felt good just like I had left off before the delay.
Miranda Martinez
Q: What was the bus ride back home after beating Wimberley early Sunday morning?
A: On the bus ride home there was only five of us, but we were still excited and in disbelief over the series win. Not that it was unbelievable that we won, but we were still hyped over it. We replayed moments of the game over and over to each other and we’re just amazed at the plays we made.
Q: How has the community rallied around you guys and what was school like when you got back Monday morning?
A: The community is our huge support system. They brought us little gifts throughout the week and went to our games. Looking up in the stands, it feels like there are more than a million people behind us. Coming back, the students and staff congratulated us. It was just an amazing feeling to know that we are a making history and getting the recognition for it.
Q: Do you have a pre-game ritual or a pre-game meal?
A: My pre-game meal is a sausage taco from Stripes and a bag of Cheetos with a water. A pre-game ritual is I always look at my dad before the game starts. It gives me a sense of comfort and confidence.
Q: Entering Game 3 with the series tied, what was your mentality?
A: Our mentality was that we weren’t done and that we were going to win no matter what it took. I was confident in my team and there was no doubt in my mind that we were going to win. We reflected a little on what had just happened in Game 2 and we knew that we weren’t finished. We know that together as a team we are unstoppable.
Q: Who’s your favorite softball player and why?
A: I’ve always looked up to Jennie Finch. When I was 11 years old I went to one of her camps. She shared a story on how she was always the tallest one in her class and parents would always question if she was in the right age division. I could relate to that story and since then she has been my role model and inspiration.
