Highlassies open regional tournament with win over Grayson.
The McLennan Highlassies opened the rain-delayed Region V North Tournament with a 9-2 victory over the Grayson Lady Vikings this afternoon at The Ballfields at Craig Ranch. Sophomore Victoria Vasquez picked up the win in the circle for McLennan.
Grayson opened the scoring with a run in the top of the first as Morgan Lewis walked, stole second and scored on a single by Shelby Fleming.
McLennan tied the game with a run in the bottom of the first inning. Olivia Lantigua and Kaitlin Richards drew back-to-back walks. Ariana Hernandez was hit by the pitch to load the bases. Genisa Marrero-Carter hit into a double play but Lantigua was able to score from third.
The Highlassies took the lead with three runs in the bottom of the second. Zayra Olguin singled and Breanna Heredia was hit by the pitch. Cassie Pavlas followed with a three-run bomb over the left-field fence.
The Lady Vikings’ final run came in the top of the third as Baylee McBrannon walked, stole second and third, and scored on a Highlassie error.
McLennan added another run in the third. Richards reached first safely on an error, Marrero-Carter was hit by the pitch and Brittany Montoya singled to load the bases. Emeri Eubanks followed with a fielder’s choice, putting Richards out at the plate. Olguin then singled to score Marrero-Carter.
The Highlassies rounded out the scoring with four runs in the fourth inning. Pavlas was hit by the pitch and Lantigua walked. Richards followed with a double to score both runners. Marrero-Carter reached first safely on a Grayson error, moving Richards to third. Richards then scored on a double steal. Eubanks followed with a double to score Marrero-Carter.
McLennan advances in the winner’s bracket to face second-seed Weatherford at approximately 8:30 p.m.
McLennan 9, Grayson 2
Grayson 101 000 0 – 2 6 2
McLennan 131 400 x – 9 9 1
Kylie Williams, Olivia Gutierrez (2) and Lauren Degalia. Victoria Vasquez and Danielle Humphrey. WP: Vasquez; LP: Guiterrez. Leading hitters – Grayson: Baylee McBrannon (2-2, 2B), Shelby Fleming (1-4, RBI) and Desiray Sauseda (1-2, 2B); McLennan: Brittany Montoya (2-4), Emeri Eubanks (1-3, 2B, RBI), Cassie Pavlas (1-3, HR, 3 RBI), Genisa Marrero-Carter (0-3, RBI), Zayra Olguin (2-4, RBI) and Kaitlin Richards (2-3, 2B, 2 RBI). Record: McLennan 27-11 (22-10).
