Lady Rattlers take third at WLV tourney

Tucumcari scored 13 runs in the final three innings to secure a 20-8 victory over Mora on Saturday and capture third place in the West Las Vegas Softball Tournament.

Caylee Benavidez and Harley McKinney of the Lady Rattlers, who finished 2-1 during the weekend, each were named to the all-tournament team.

Tucumcari head coach CJ Oglesby said he could have selected six players to the all-tourney team, including also Alexis Ramirez, Mia Estrada, Haisley Huffman and Kylee Carmichael.

"But the play of Caylee and Harley stood out," he said. "Not just the home runs and the hitting, but the hustle from Caylee was noticeable. And Harley just killed the ball. She's really seeing the ball well.

"Overall, it was just a big learning experience for our team. Me and Coach (Jakus) Martinez are extremely happy with the outcome of the tournament."

Ramirez drove in four runs for Tucumcari (4-2) on three hits, including a double. Tayden Hyslop and Benavidez each had three RBI against Mora.

Hyslop, McKinney and Huffman each scored four runs for Tucumcari, which totaled 12 hits and 12 walks.

Estrada was the winning pitcher for Tucumcari, allowing just two earned runs and striking out eight in five innings.

Oglesby said Huffman, usually a center fielder, played catcher because four-year starter Amaya Roybal was absent due to a family emergency.

"I gave (Huffman) a call, and she said, 'Sure, Coach, whatever you need me to do,'" he said. "Me and Coach Martinez knew she would give an all-out effort back there, and she caught one heck of a game. She is someone I can rely on in any situation."

Mora fell to 4-3.

West Las Vegas 16, Tucumcari 8

Tucumcari at one point had an 8-6 lead over the host team in the semifinals of the West Las Vegas tournament, but the Lady Dons rallied in the late innings to win it.

"They brought in their ace, and she shut us down," Oglesby said, "and then their bats came alive to beat us.

"Our team showed a lot during that game. We knew we were overmatched, but we fought and gave it 100% effort. West is No. 1 in the coaches poll, and they have my vote."

Oglesby also said West Las Vegas eighth-grade pitcher and catcher Malie Satete "is the best softball player I have seen on the high school field."

West Las Vegas (7-1) won the tournament with a 10-0 victory over East Mountain in the final. Satete hit a home run and totaled four RBI in that game.

Tucumcari 19, Taos 10

Tucumcari scored in every inning and pulled away from Taos during a 19-10 victory Thursday in the first round of the tournament.

McKinney and Benavidez each hit home runs for the Lady Rattlers. McKinney went 4-for-5 with five runs driven in, and Benavidez went 5-for-5 with three RBI.

Huffman also went 3-for-4 with four runs scored. Kylee Carmichael drove in four runs. Tucumcari totaled 24 hits during the game.

Winning pitcher Estrada allowed six earned runs in six innings, striking out two.

Taos finished the weekend with a 3-7 record.