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Portales coach Robbie Crowley, right, discusses defensive strategy with catcher Simi Laurenz during a District 4-3A doubleheader against Ruidoso.
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Portales third baseman Sorina Flores tags out Clovis baserunner Jessy Martinez during an April game at Clovis.
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Portales junior Kelsey Laurenz fires a pitch during a District 4-3A doubleheader against Lovington.

Freshman catcher Simi Laurenz and junior third baseman Sorina Flores of the state runnerup Portales Lady Rams were named to the Class 3A all-state softball team.

Lady Rams junior pitcher Kelsey Laurenz was named to the second team.

The teams were selected by Class 3A coaches.

State champion Silver City and Raton each had three first-team selections.

The Lady Rams finished the season 22-11, including a 5-2 run at state after losing their first game in the double-elimination tournament and having to play their way through the losers’ bracket.

 

Lady Rams profiles

Simi Laurenz, Fr., C

Batted .580 with 12 doubles, three triples, five home runs and 29 RBI while batting leadoff. ... Hit .400 with a triple and home run at state.... In her second season as starting catcher.

Coach’s comments: “She has a lot more confidence in the box,” Portales coach Robbie Crowley said. “She spends hours on the hitting tee, soft toss and in the cage. ... She’s got a real good arm. She keeps runners honest on the base paths.”

 

Sorina Flores, Jr., 3B

Batted .515 with 11 doubles, two triples, three home runs and 28 RBI while hitting cleanup. ... Hit .524 with two doubles, a home run and seven RBI at state. ... In her third season as a starter at third base.

Coach’s comments: “She’s always focused, whether it’s at the plate or in the field. She's mentally and physically strong. She’s really improved her throwing. If they hit it to her, it’s an out.”

 

Kelsey Laurenz, Jr., P

Pitched all 197 innings for the Lady Rams, finishing with 22 wins and 11 losses in her first season as primarily a pitcher. She struck out 185 and walked 73, with a 2.7 earned run average. ... She threw more than 600 pitches in the three days at the state tournament. ... She played mostly shortstop last season.

Coach’s comments: “She’s a tough kid. She works hard and is a great competitor. Nothing ever seems to bother her on the mound.”