San Marcos held their own through five innings against Converse Judson on Tuesday.
After giving up a run inside the San Marcos softball stadium in the top of the first, the Lady Rattlers struck back with one of their own. Senior outfielder Ysa Gonzales was the first to reach base, hitting a single to left field. Junior infielder Andrea Garcia followed with another single to right field. Infielder Julissa Venegas picked up the RBI with a fielder’s choice.
Both teams played strong defense from there, neither allowing a run through the next four innings. But San Marcos cooled off in sub-40-degree weather, giving up 10 runs in the final two innings to lose 11-1.
“We told them not to let the weather affect them,” Stoughton said. “I think we just lost control of the ball.”
Judson loaded the bases to start the sixth inning with two walks and an error by the Lady Rattlers. The Lady Rockets were walked at the next two at-bats to go back in front. Judson senior infielder Nyah Chapman blasted a grand slam to clear the bases. Chapman went on to smash another homer in the seventh.
“We had a really great start to the season,” Stoughton said. “We have to get back there.”
San Marcos began the season at 6-3 but have since lost their past two games, falling 0-2 in district. Both opponents have been tough – Judson and San Antonio East Central are 2-0 in 26-6A play – but Stoughton said she knows her team is capable of more. She needs her team to play like they did in the first five innings, rather than the last two.
The Lady Rattlers will look to bounce back this weekend as they host the Rattler Spring Break Classic, beginning on Thursday. Stoughton said she’s looking forward to seeing how her team responds.
“We’re looking to regroup, refocus and relax a little bit,” Stoughton said. “We have to get this turned around.”
