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As the start of the high school softball season approaches, Belen and Los Lunas believe they can go deeper into the playoffs, while Valencia is hoping to take a major step forward after several disappointing campaigns.
Belen Eagles
Freshly retired from the Albuquerque Police Department, Oscar Medrano brought a scruffier beard, more enthusiasm, and even more confidence to the dugout in his second year as Belen softball coach.
“We’re loaded,” Medrano proclaimed on the first day of practice.
After an 18-11 record and a berth in the 4A quarterfinals in 2024, Medrano says, “I can’t wait to see what steps we’re going to take this year.”
The Eagles have most of their top players returning, including Shyla Rocha, a first-team, All-State first baseman; and Honey Mirabal, on the All-State, second team as an infielder.
Still, Medrano needs to replace three seniors, including second baseman Denae Chavira.
“We have a lot of utility players,” who can play several positions, Medrano believes.
As for pitching, “Our ace is back,” Medrano said of Lorissa Scott, a senior. “She’s the type of individual who can dominate a game.”
BHS will also rely on Jaylyn Boozer, another senior hurler.
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“We have a really strong team coming back,” Scott said, adding that she is ready to get past St. Pius for the District 4-4A title. “We keep falling short, but I think this year, we’ve got it. I think we’re strong on both sides of the ball.”
Technically, the Eagles didn’t fall short last season. The Eagles and Sartans tied atop the district, but St. Pius won a coin flip, securing a more favorable post season bracket.
“We got a bad taste in our mouth from last year with the coin toss,” Medrano said.
That bad taste has lingered.
“The girls and I have been talking about it all summer, all fall. Not just Pius, but the season itself.”
As for this season, BHS opens at home Feb. 20 against Pojoaque, with tournaments at Cleveland, Las Cruces, Moriarty and Grants before district play begins.
“We’re going to face some tough 5A competition, which is good,” said Medrano. “I’m excited to see what this group can do.”
Valencia Jaguars
With their third head coach in three years, the Valencia Jaguars are looking to revive a program that has not recorded double-digit wins since 2019, the year before the pandemic.
VHS was 5-17 last year, but coach Jacob Rael expects noticeable improvement.
“Promising. A lot of young talent coming up and then we have a lot of our returning players,” says Rael, who was an assistant last season under Eli Miera.
One of those returners is shortstop Cambria Garley, a junior, who was a first team 4A All-State selection during her freshman season.
“Our infield is really strong. We have good defense,” said Garley, adding. “Our offense will be better this year.”
Garley was near the top of most VHS offensive categories last season, with returners Lauren Brandt and Rosalyn Rael, the coach’s daughter, also adding firepower.
“We have some sluggers on the team and some good place hitters. I don’t think that will be an issue at all,” said coach Rael, who calls Brandt, “A real heavy hitter. Here at practice, she’s been hitting quite a few of them out of the park.”
An area of concern at the start of workouts was pitching, with no obvious number one hurler. However, Rael says there are possibilities.
“I had nine pitchers try out this season, which is a big difference from last season. We’re torn between three of them so we should have a good rotation,” Rael said.
With the start of the season, set for Feb. 22 at Manzano, newcomer Payton Yabeny has emerged as the starter.
Rael expects to take advantage of the Jaguars’ speed.
“I’m anticipating a very aggressive baserunning strategy this year,” adding the outfielders can also cover ground.
It’s a team that should improve as the District 4-4A schedule approaches, according to Garley.
“We’re a young team, but with that will only come more growth.”
Los Lunas Tigers
Los Lunas has the luxury of having an experienced lineup that coach Patrick Ortiz will have for two full seasons.
“We’re junior-heavy this year, and most of them were starters,” Ortiz said. “Having the experience of going to state — I think we’re going to do well this year.”
The Tigers should be battle-tested, surviving a tough schedule last season, with a daunting slate ahead with tournaments in Hobbs, Artesia and Rio Rancho.
The schedule “is going to be packed, but I think it will be good for our team,” said Aaliyah Vigil, a senior outfielder who has committed to play at Feather River College in Quincy, California.” I expect it to be a good last final goodbye.”
Saying their final goodbyes last year were four seniors, including team captain Sarah Love, who played third base and catcher.
For this years’ edition, hitting should be a strength. Natalie Madrid, a 5A second team All-State selection at first base returns, along with Brooke Baca, Jaslene Duran and Halie Delgado.
“We have solid bats all around. Even our younger girls have solid sticks,” said Baca.
As for pitching, Baca and Madrid will get the bulk of the work, with freshman Ashley Baca, “who is up and coming,” according to Ortiz, expected to get some innings on the mound.
An added curveball to the season comes in the form of a change in the District 5-5A lineup, where LLHS went 9-1 last season. Out are Santa Fe High and Santa Fe Capital, with a combined record of 24-27. In are Atrisco Heritage and West Mesa, with a blended mark of 19-33.
No matter who the Tigers play, Ortiz says, “We’re just excited for the season, excited for the girls. They’re ready to go,” looking to improve on their overall record of 17-8 that included a loss to Carlsbad in a state tournament play-in game.
LLHS opens the season March 7 against Roswell Goddard in the Hobbs tournament.
