By Brian Argabright
Nearly a year ago the Del Rio Queens softball team came off its home field, savoring a win over district foe Laredo LBJ.
That would be the last time the Queens would play as a team as the COVID-19 pandemic first forced a suspension of play and then wiped out the 2020 season just as the district schedule began.
Tonight, the Queens return to that field, again to face Laredo LBJ, and hopes are high that history won’t repeat itself.
“It has been a very interesting year to start off considering COVID and academics,” Queens head softball coach Nufie Rodriguez said. “We entered the softball season with only four returning lettermen, of which three were starters prior to this year. Our lineup has seen three freshmen starting and various lineup changes trying to figure out which is more beneficial for the team. We will continue to adjust lineups based on the young ladies competing daily for positions.”
It was a rocky start to the season for the Queens. They didn’t get a chance to gel through scrimmages and jumped straight into competition against a pair of formidable teams in San Antonio Stevens and Uvalde. The result was a pair of losses by a combined score of 25-0.
But things have since turned around for Del Rio.
At this past weekend’s Carrizo Springs tournament, the Queens finished second overall with a record of four wins, one loss and one tie. Included in that total was a 7-0 revenge win over Uvalde as well as a 13-4 win over Hebbronville and a 12-3 win over Carrizo Springs.
And despite falling to Medina Valley in the championship game, the Queens still boasted three all-tournament selections including pitcher Jada Bishop, centerfielder Giselle Valdez, who racked up a pair of home runs, and shortstop Ari Alcarez.
That group makes up some of the girls Rodriguez said fans should keep an eye on. Joining that group are Desiree Gomez and freshman Hope Martinez, who spent much of the summer playing travel ball.
“Giselle has already signed at Coastal Bend, and Ari and Desi are weighing out their options, Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said the team’s improvement has been steady and continuous since the season began.
“Jada has become our number one pitcher even after she didn’t pitch a single inning last year. The girls we have playing ball are resilient and will leave everything on the field. Where we lack in experience they make up in effort, grit, and are very coachable. As we continue to play more innings, we will get better and might surprise some opponents, but we wouldn’t be surprised. We know what kind of young ladies we work with every day. We aren’t rebuilding; we are Queenloading,” Rodriguez said.
Tonight’s game begins at 5 p.m. at the Queens Softball Field located near Walter Levermann Ram Stadium. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.vancoevents.com/us/eventlist/delrioathletics?embed=1
