The Pojoaque Elkettes’ Lovato sisters spoiled Española Valley pitcher Renee Roybal’s 14-strikeout performance March 16.
Miquela and Amber Lovato finished 7-for-7 from the plate, had a homerun a piece and accounted for six runs batted in as the Elkettes started their season on a winning note March 16 by shutting out the Lady Sundevils 8-0 in Española.
“It’s always good to start 1-0,” Pojoaque coach Ricky DeHerrera said.
Miquela Lovato’s long home run over the left field fence with Tracy Ortiz and Kim Baros on base finished the scoring for Pojoaque.
Pojoaque starter Mariah Urbina gave up just three hits and struck out five. Española hit weak popups and easily handled ground balls to the infield throughout the game.
“We just didn’t show up,” Española coach Robbie Garcia said.
Pojoaque continued its winning ways against Taos March 18, sweeping a doubleheader from the Lady Tigers 12-1 and 14-1 to improve to 3-0 on the season. Kassandra Martinez was the winning pitcher in the first game. Ericka Chavez started and pitched the first three innings of the second game as Urbina finished up pitching the final two innings.
The Elkettes hosted Capital Monday.
Injury Bug
Española is the three-time defending District 2AAAA champion, but has been hit hard by injuries. Sophomore third baseman Robyn Valdez suffered a broken ankle in practice before the season and will be out for six weeks, according to Garcia. Senior pitcher and shortstop Rikki Ortiz, who transferred from McCurdy, aggravated an old injury to her left knee at home. She was being evaluated March 16 and her status is uncertain.
To add insult to injury, senior first baseman and power hitter Evelyn Caballero’s shoulder popped out when she took a hard swing against Pojoaque in the bottom of the sixth inning. It is uncertain how long she will be out of action.
All the injuries have forced Garcia to experiment with his lineup. He started eighth-grader Kayla Romero, another transfer from McCurdy, at shortstop against the Elkettes.
“I’m still messing around all over the lineup,” Garcia said. “I’m trying to figure our situation out.”
Española opened the season March 13 by splitting a doubleheader with Socorro. The Lady Warriors won the first game 6-2, and Española won the second game 10-7 at Socorro.
The Sundevils participated in the Grants/Laguna tournament over the weekend (see related story).