Cavegirls Crush Roswell for 1,000th Win

By Don Eskins

With a large crowd on hand at Cavegirl Park on Friday, April 17, the Cavegirl softball team crushed the Roswell Coyotes 15-2, in the first of two games, to collect their 1000th career victory.

For the 18-time New Mexico State Champions, the win officially ended a journey that began over a half-century ago. How fitting it was for Carlsbad’s girls to be able to chalk up the coveted victory at home.

“Winning our 1,000th game was, no doubt, monumental for our program,” said Cavegirl head coach Brian Santo. “But this win wasn’t just about us. It was about all the girls and coaches who have contributed to it for the past 50-plus years.

“However, being able to record the program’s 1,000th win,” said Santo, “has given this year’s players and coaches a great sense of pride. It really is great to be a Cavegirl!”

In a short ceremony following their 1,000th victory, former players and coaches joined the Cavegirls on the field for the celebration.

Almost lost in all the hoopla was the impact the Roswell sweep had on this year’s race for the District 4/5A title.

With the two wins, the Cavegirls, 9-9 on the year, upped their conference record to 4-0. At 4-0, they sit atop the District 4/5A standings alongside the Hobbs Eagles, also 4-0. On the year, they’re 12-6.

Carlsbad’s girls were scheduled to take on the Eagles in Hobbs on Tuesday, April 21.

Note: More on the Cavegirls’ 1,000th win in today’s, April 24, From the Stands editorial.

A win for the Record Books

In a game that lasted only five innings due to the 10-run rule, CHS put up two runs in the first inning, four in the second, two in the third, and seven in the fourth en route to their 15-2 victory over Roswell.

In dominating fashion, Cavegirl junior hurler Katrina Ortega held the Otes to just two runs on three hits. She walked five and struck out eight.

At the plate, senior Makayla Chester and sophomore Addyson Madrid each went 3-for-4 to lead a Cavegirl offensive effort that logged 14 hits on the afternoon.

The Cavegirls also won the nightcap 13-3. After scoring two runs in the bottom of the first, they added seven more in the fourth and another four in the fifth to shut down the Coyotes, as they did in the twin bill’s opener, in just five innings.

A perfect 4-4 at the plate, Emory Bland led all Cavegirls hitters. Also picking up multiple hits, two each, were Marisela Reyes and Addyson Vallejos.

1000th Win, April 17

RHS 0 2 0 0 0 2

CHS 2 4 2 7 x 15

Leaders: Brooklyn Cook, 1-2, 2 R, RBI; Katrina Ortega, 2-2, 3 RBI, 2B; Marisela Reyes, 1-1, 4 RBI; Makayla Chester, 3-4, R, 3 RBI, 2 B; Addyson Vallejos 3-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2x2 B; Allyson Madrid, 0-4; Daisha Nieto, 1-3, R, RBI; Alexis Nieto, 2-2, 3 R; Amaris Martinez, 0-0, R; Emory Bland, 1-3, R, RBI, 2 B; WP Katrina Ortega, 5 in, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 8 K’s. (MaxPreps Stats)

Game 2, April 17

RHS 0 0 1 0 2 3

CHS 2 0 0 7 4 13

Leaders: Brooklyn Cook, 4-4, 3 R, RBI, 3 B; Katrina Ortega, 1-4, 2 RBI, 2 B; Marisela Reyes, 2-3, 2 R; Addyson Vallejos, 2-3, 2 R, 2 RBI; Gracee Mecham, 1-1, R; Alexis Nieto, 0-0, 2 R; Kendra Ortega, 0-3; Emory Bland, 0-2; Anya Rentner, 0-2, R; WP, Emory Bland, 4.2 in. 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K; Katrina Ortega, .1in, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K’s. (MaxPreps Stats)

More Cavegirl News on Page 11