Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
CMI correspondent: Joshua LuceroPortales Ram centerfielder Kacie Terry snags a fly ball for an out in the top of the fourth inning of the Rams' Friday afternoon game against the Socorro Lady Warriors at the Lady Wildcat Softball Field in Clovis.
Even a flooded field couldn't slow down the top-seeded Portales softball team.
In a game relocated to Clovis, the Lady Rams blanked Soccoro 15-0 in a run-rule shortened game Friday in the first round of the Class 3A state tournament.
CMI correspondent: Joshua Lucero
Portales Ram centerfielder Kacie Terry snags a fly ball for an out in the top of the fourth inning of the Rams' Friday afternoon game against the Socorro Lady Warriors at the Lady Wildcat Softball Field in Clovis.
Kiersten Ramirez limited the 16th-seeded Warriors to one hit and got plenty of help from her defense. Of the two walks given up by Ramirez, both were caught trying to steal second on bullet throws from junior catcher Simone Laurenz. The Lady Rams also made more than one diving catch in outfield to help preserve the shutout.
With its 13th straight win, Portales (21-5) plays the winner of Friday's game between Lovington and Las Vegas Robertson on Thursday in Rio Rancho.
Portales coach Robbie Crowley thought her girls put a nice performance together.
"We hit the ball well today, but we also fielded well and made some pretty good defensive plays and that's what it takes to win a championship," Crowley said.
Sophomore Ashlie Villanueva had two doubles and drove in four runs and senior Summer Martinez delivered two hits and two RBI for Portales.
"I was pretty nervous, but I've had a lot of confidence in myself lately and I enjoyed playing," Villanueva said about appearing in her first playoff game.
The game was called after only 3 1/2 innings by run rule.
Junior Mariah Lovato jump-started a seven-run Portales first inning with a two-run double. Freshman Kiersten Ramirez drove her in on the next at-bat to make it 3-0. Villanueva's first double and a two-run single from junior Francis Armijo made it 7-0 and the rout was on.
Socorro finished the season 7-14 overall.
"This was our first playoff game and we wanted to make a statement to open the tournament," senior Summer Martinez said.
The Lady Rams certainly succeeded in that regard.
