Ortega, Reyes Gain All-State Recognition

By Don Eskins

Cavegirls Katrina Ortega and Mari Reyes have been recognized by the New Mexico High School Coaches Association for their outstanding play during the 2026 prep softball season.

The NMHSCA recently named Ortega to its Class 5A All-State Second Team as a pitcher. Reyes received All-State Honorable Mention as an infielder.

Both Ortega and Reyes played key roles for the Cavegirls this past season.

Inside the circle, Ortega posted a record of 7-8 with an ERA of just 2.42, the lowest ERA in Class 5A softball. She also struck out 136 batters, the second-best mark in Class 5A.

With the bat, she also put up some pretty impressive numbers, hitting .430 with 10 doubles and 23 RBIs.

Reyes also had a big year. At the plate, she logged a batting average of .421 with nine doubles and 17 RBIs. Defensively, she had a fielding average of .932.

Ortega, just a junior, and Reyes, only a sophomore, will both return for yet another exciting year of Cavegirl softball next year.

“We were fortunate to have both of these young ladies suiting up for us this year. Katrina, during a season that saw us field a lot of youth and inexperience, gave us great leadership and stability,” said Cavegirl head coach Brian Santo. “Mari, although just a sophomore, also had a big year in the field and at the plate. They’ll both be back next year, and that’s definitely going to be a big plus for us.”

CHS collected an overall record of 14-13 this year. During District 4/5A play, they were 9-3 and closed out the season as the conference runner-up. During first-round state tournament play, they lost to the second-seeded Alamogordo Tigers 4-1.

In the MaxPreps final season poll, the Cavegirls were ranked 14th among Class 5A softball teams throughout New Mexico.