Belen lone softball survivor; VHS, LLHS fall in tourney

Belen survived the new play-in format to advance in the State Softball Championships, but Valencia and Los Lunas did not after losing their opening round games.

Saturday in Artesia, No. 10 BHS dominated No. 7 Gallup 10-0, keeping the Eagles alive in the 4A tournament. Immediately following the first game, Belen lost to Artesia 10-2, sending BHS to the consolation round and Artesia to the championship bracket this week.

“Right now, we’re playing the best softball we have all year. I’m really excited about it,” said Belen coach Oscar Medrano, looking ahead to meeting sixth-seeded Los Alamos next.

Lorissa Scott pitched both games for the Eagles.

“I was so proud of her. She really did well,” Medrano said.

The Eagles also rose to the occasion at the plate in the must-win battle against Gallup. Aaraceli Franco blasted a three-run homer, while Honey Mirabal was six for six over both games.

“Our bats are really coming alive right now,” according to Medrano.

At 11 a.m., Thursday, BHS faces Los Alamos at Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho. Three weeks ago, the Hilltoppers handled Belen 15-4, but Medrano says the Eagles were hampered by injuries to Scott and others.

“They haven’t seen our best yet,” the coach said.

Valencia, No. 16, traveled Friday to Silver City to meet the host Fighting Colts, the overall top seed in 4A. VHS (9-15) scored first, but ultimately fell 14-1 to Silver (24-4) to end the season.

In 5A, Los Lunas (18-7) met Atrisco Heritage Academy, with the district rivals traveling to Las Cruces for their third meeting of the season. AHA (20-7) won the rubber match 11-7, eliminating LLHS.

The Tigers never led, although they kept the game close thanks in part to a pair of home runs by Aaliyah Vigil and a solo shot by Jaslene Duran.