Lady Lions get softball underway

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lion softball team played in a four-team scrimmage in Snyder last Saturday, coming out on top against Brownfield 8-6 but losing to Snyder 10-1 and Coahoma 8-7.

Albany is scheduled to host another scrimmage on Friday against Anson at 4:00 p.m. However, coach Jimmy Fuentes wasn’t optimistic that the scrimmage would happen due to the current weather forecast.

Albany is also scheduled to host the regular season opener on Tuesday, Feb. 16 against Miles at 5:00 p.m.

“The girls are actually further along than I thought they would be after the long break due to COVID-19,” Fuentes said. “Ana Balliew did a good job pitching for us.”

Also pitching for the Lady Lions were Sara Smith and Isabel Alvarez.

The coach commended Torie Fuentes and Ana Balliew for each hitting a home run during the scrimmages.

“We are working on the younger players learning the game, especially the situational things that only come with experience,” he said. “We emphasizing the fundamentals with all the girls.”

He also praised Haily Cox for taking over the catcher’s duties this season.

The coach reported that senior softball standout Elia Hebel will be benched again this season due to a knee injury that is requiring surgery. Hebel, a third baseman, suffered the same fate her sophomore season after an injury during the final district basketball game.

“We fortunately have several versatile kids who can play in the grass or on the dirt,” he said. “It is nice to have options.”

The Lady Lions will play in the Eastland tournament on Feb. 18-19.