Lady Stangs open district play with a victory
AUSTIN — Marble Falls High School softball coach Tino Salazar is in an unusual situation.
Following his squad’s 9-3 victory against Leander Vandegrift in the first game of District 25-4A play Feb. 28, Salazar couldn’t decide which to praise first – his team’s performance at the plate or its defensive effort. But no matter where he started, for the first time since 2009, Marble Falls (9-0, 1-0) has won its district opener.
“It feels good,” Salazar said. “It takes a monkey off our backs.”
The offensive scoring was highlighted by Hailey Wooten and Skylar Riley, who each hit solo home runs. Amanda Thomas added a three-run homer to help the Lady Mustangs build an 8-0 advantage by the fifth inning.
The district is stacked with power hitters and squads known for scratching out runs, so to hold the Lady Vipers to three tells the coach his team is getting the job done.
“It’s a good feeling. It’s enjoyable to be a part of it,” he said.
Junior pitcher Alicia Macias (5-0) gave up the three runs on six hits.
“She threw well and kept them off balance,” the coach said. “We played defense behind her. We only made one error.”
Marble Falls will travel to the tournament hosted by A&M Consolidated in College Station March 1-3.