By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
This past week, the 32-4A Softball All-District recipients list was released and the Port Isabel Lady Tarpons had several players get recognition.
Taking one of the top honors was starting pitcher Chelsea Gonzalez who earned Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors. Gonzalez was a dual-threat on the softball field. Although this was her first time as a pitcher on Varsity, she was a solid pitcher who racked up the strikeouts. She was also a threat to hit the long ball, having accumulated several homeruns this season.
Junior pitcher Andrea Garcia earned 1st Team Pitcher honors for her production on the mound. She would come in the game around the 4th inning in relief, seamlessly picking up where Gonzalez left off. The two made a great 1-2 punch, locking down most teams.
Junior Natalie Martinez earned Utility Player of the Year honors. A multi-sport athlete, she played wherever the coaches saw a need. Offensively, she was a solid hitter often making contact with power.
Senior Kimberly Barrera earned 2nd Team Catcher honors. Barrera had a cannon arm and baserunners often hesitated stealing bases on her watch. She could also hit the ball with the best of them and will be sorely missed when she graduates.
Freshman Arianna Garcia earned 2nd Team Third Base. Her talent and experience earned her a spot on the Varsity team since day one, being a solid hitter and fielder.
Wrapping up the infield awards was Junior Carmen Garza who earned Honorable Mention honors. Garza was a solid defender, but even a better hitter.
The team featured some great catches by the outfield this season and all of four seniors earned recognition. Centerfielder Alexa Vega was named 2nd Team Outfield while outfielders, Milah Delgado, Jaylen Martinez and Julie Mar earned Honorable Mention honors.
The 2024 Port Isabel Softball team finished in third place in district 32-4A with a 6-4 district record and 9-17 overall.