HS Softball: Lady Rattlers in semifinals

CORPUS CHRISTI — The San Marcos High School softball team moved into the semifinals of the Corpus Christi Bay City Classic after winning their pool on Thursday and posting two victories on Friday.

SMHS opened pool play with a 1-1 tie against Cedar Park, but was awarded the tie-break with more runners at third base. The Lady Rattlers then went on to beat Corpus Christi-Ray, 4-0 and Bishop, 7-1 to win the pool.

Samantha Villegas’ four-inning no-hitter highlighted Thursday’s action.

San Marcos continued its winning ways on Friday, scoring wins against Corpus Christ-King (8-3), and Corpus Christi-Calhoun (4-0) and were scheduled to face Austin-Westlake in Saturday’s semifinals.

Rene Contreras and Ellie Hernandez led the Lady Rattlers with 2 RBIs each against King, while Alyssa Del Los Santos connected for San Marcos’ first home run of the season. Victoria Vasquez, Mariah Delgado and Jenica Flores also drove in runs in the win.

Vasquez gave up five hits and one earned run with seven strikeouts in the circle, while Samantha Villegas threw a perfect inning in relief.

Ciandre Kinere held the hot bat for SMHS against Calhoun, going 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs and a triple. Contreras connected for an RBI double, while Del Los Santos also drove in a run.

Villegas gave up two hits over five innings, keeping Calhoun scoreless with five strikeouts and no walks.

After this weekend’s tournament, the Lady Rattlers are back in action at home Tuesday night with a 7:15 p.m. game against Cibolo-Steele.