Edison softball blitzes its way through 27-5A schedule

“For freshmen, they came in with a lot of experience,” Bocanegra said, recalling her first incoming class, who were seniors this season. “They pushed to be varsity contributors. They didn’t miss a step, and they were leaders right away.

“And four years makes a difference when it comes to competitiveness.”

Remarkably, the Golden Bears won each 27-5A game by the run rule.

“The biggest thing is what we established their sophomore year,” Bocanegra said. “They learned the point system and they’re executing on a different level.

“The girls have bought into that. It helps us with accountability and respect for the game.”

Edison was one of three area teams that won outright district titles. TAPPS representatives Holy Cross (14-6-1, 8-0) and Providence (8-9, 7-1) were the others. Southwest (19-13, 10-4) and Southwest Legacy (13-12-1, 10-4) were part of a four-way tie for first in 28-5A.

“The coaching staff and everybody on the team works hard,” said Golden Bears senior Kamrynn DeLeon, who’ll play at the University of the Southwest. “We all support each other and pick each other up. It’s nice to have a close team. It’s like we have a sisterhood.”

East Central (19-9-1, 9-5), Highlands (14-5-2, 12-2), Jefferson and Kennedy (12-10, 10-4) were other area playoff qualifiers.

Senior leadoff hitter Mekiela Sibley (2-for-3) and DeLeon (3-for-4, 3 RBIs) consistently set the tone for Edison, just as they set the table at the top of the batting order. Isabel Jimenez is the Golden Bears’ only other senior.

“Their leadership is amazing,” Bocanegra said. “Their teammates all respect them.”

In their final 2021 district game, the Golden Bears grabbed an 11-run lead in the first inning against fourth-place Jefferson.

A single from Sibley and a triple from DeLeon started the scoring barrage. A single from Deandre Rodriguez (2-for-2, 2 RBIs) made it 2-0.

A double from Geri Mancillas (2-for-3, 3 RBIs) and a triple by Ava Moreno made it 5-0. An RBI base hit by Jimenez built a six-run cushion before the Mustangs recorded the first out.

An RBI triple from Jacee Garza (2 RBIs) in the third invoked the 15-run rule.

Bocanegra admitted that there were questions about her team at the beginning of the season because of key graduation losses.

“At the beginning, it was tough because we didn’t get a season last year,” DeLeon said, “but we knew our team would work hard. Everybody did what they needed to do to stay in shape. Everyone’s very committed to the team. We push each other, because we know what we can achieve.”

Junior pitcher Natalie Castoreno hurled a three-hit shutout in the three-inning game. Castoreno also went 2-for-2 with two RBIs at the plate.

“We’re good because of them,” Castoreno said of the seniors. “We communicate well and we’re all committed to being the team we should be.

“Every game, I’ve only thrown about 30 pitches, and that’s mostly because of my infield. They help me always. It’s very comforting.”