Softball starts on high note

The Tucumcari softball team began its season on a high note by winning three games and the Santa Rosa Lion Classic title over the weekend.

Tucumcari starting pitcher Jayden Jimenez was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, while Lady Rattlers left fielder Jasmine Jones, shortstop Paige Moralez and catcher Loren Chavez were named to the all-tournament team.

“Our defense was solid all the way through the tournament,” Tucumcari coach CJ Oglesby said. “It was really impressive. And our hitting is coming around.”

The Lady Rattlers captured the tournament title Saturday by taking a big early lead over Estancia (2-1) and holding off a late rally during the 12-9 victory. Felicity Lopez and Kalani French each hit home runs for Tucumcari.

In the semifinal Friday, Jones hit a three-run double in the top of the seventh inning to break a tie against host Santa Rosa (4-1) en route to a 12-10 win.

In the tournament’s opening game Thursday, Tucumcari crushed Clayton (0-2) during an 18-3 decision that was shortened after three innings because of the mercy rule.

“Everybody was hitting in that one,” Oglesby said. “The stats were loaded up in that game.”