Lady Lions’ game cut short after injury

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions softball team was holding its own Tuesday, March 11 in its second District 8-2A outing before a freak accident brought the game to an early end.

Lady Lions pitcher Carisa Barrera was struck in the face by a line drive in the top of the fourth inning. The game was ended at that point with Hawley awarded a 9-6 win.

Albany coach Jimmy Fuentes said Barrera’s condition left this week’s game up in the air. The Lady Lions were to visit Haskell on Tuesday, March 18 and Anson at 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 21.

“Carisa was still in the hospital (on Monday, March 17),” Fuentes said. “We won’t know anything until I talk to her, and I don’t want to play until she’s 100 percent.”

Fuentes said the senior suffered no broken bones, but was still dealing with headaches.

Hawley scored five runs in the fourth to take the lead before Barrera, who was not wearing a protective mask, was injured. Until then, the Lady Lions were competitive. taking leads of 3-2 and 6-4 the first two innings and staying in front through the third.

Gabby Lopez and Barrera had doubles, while Madi Parrot, Charlee Hefner, J’Cee Keen and Jayden Kelly had singles. Lopez drove in three runs with Barrera, Keen and Leah Glick each getting one RBI.

Barrera struck out seven and allowed just one earned run in 3.2 innings before being hurt.

Fuentes said the bright spot was how the team battled until the game-ending incident.

“I think the kids are listening to us when we tell them we’re not going to roll over for anybody just because we’re in a tough situation,” he said. “I was proud of the way they competed and hung in there against a good softball team.”