Odessa, TX – With fresh paint on the dugouts, new banners hung on the outfield fences, and a sense of high expectations, the Lady Panthers of 2020 are ready to embark on the journey of a new season.
Finishing 19-13-2 overall, the Mojo softball team finished fourth place in District 2-6A with five wins and five losses in 2019. The Lady Panthers qualified for the state playoffs, but were knocked out in the Bi-District Round to El Paso Montwood.
Graduating several seniors, the Lady Panthers are young but will have plenty of depth this coming season. “Their work ethic is what every coach wants in an athlete. They came ready and eager for more.” says Coach Angela Arebalos. “We have several players that are constantly fighting for a starting position.”
Arebalos will also be making her debut as the Mojo softball head coach. She served as a varsity assistant the past five season at Permian.
This year’s team has the potential to make another playoff run, but have to work on the little things. Returning experience will include: Madilyn Martinez (pitcher and outfielder), Aliyah Lara (third base), Mariah Rey (pitcher), Emma Chavez (second base and pitcher), and Anyssa Cruz. Confidence isn’t lacking and morale for the team remains high.
Lara, team captain and a four-year varsity member, sees the Lady Panthers building on the positives of last season and taking it up a level. “The vibe has been good. We’re putting in the work and are planning on doing great things this season. We have been working on having more quality at-bats at the plate, and our defense in the field has been solid.”
In the pitching rotation, Permian will have Martinez that has experience at the varsity level. Alexis Belen will help add something different to the mix. She is a junior varsity starter from last year. Rey is another returning senior pitcher.
The Lady Panthers will get their first true look at the team’s progress with road scrimmages to Lubbock Monterey (on February 8) and Lubbock Cooper (February 13). Permian will host a mixed scrimmage on February 15 at the Ratliff softball complex.
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