Baseball and Softball teams working hard throughout the year

2020-2021+varsity+baseball+team.

Photo courtesy Antonia Seltzer

2020-2021 varsity baseball team.

Brisa Martinez, Reporter

Despite the pandemic, the baseball and softball teams toughed it out to continue their season. Both teams played hard during these unfortunate times.

“We are 10-3 overall and 6-3 in district, we are tied for 2nd and fighting for a playoff spot,” baseball coach Neil Sanchez said.

Not only has the pandemic affected the players personally but it has also affected the season.

“A third of our season was cut off and no fans were allowed to watch until recently,” center field Ramon Bracamontes said.

In order to stay healthy and keep playing, the teams have taken several steps and precautions.

“We have been testing every Monday and taking temperature checks before practices, we sanitize all equipment, we always wear masks and social distance as well,” softball coach  Martha Hernandez said. “I believe that we are all just getting used to sanitizing everything, wearing masks, and staying 6-feet apart and washing our hands often.”

The softball team has been working hard. In district they stand in 5-8, overall 6-9.

“We’ve lost some tough and close games.  The team is working hard to get through a lot of adversity we’ve faced this season,” coach Hernandez said.

The teams managed to stay motivated, despite the difficulties.

“The season has been like a fun rollercoaster full of ups and downs,” Bracamontes said. “We would text each other and sometimes have socially distant practices.”

Winning district is something that sports teams strive for.

“At this point district is up for grabs, if we can play well in these last few games, we will have a shot,” coach Sanchez said.

The softball team is doing the best they can to pull through.

“Unfortunately no, district is not within our reach, but we are always working hard to learn from the losses and get better every day,” coach Hernandez said.

Both teams are also focusing on their health, which is the most important thing of all.

“Our biggest concern is keeping everyone healthy; this has been a unique time. Baseball is important, but there are other important things going on right now,” coach Sanchez said. “So far, we have been fortunate that everyone has stayed healthy, we can only hope that trend continues.”

Even though the baseball team seems close to winning district, they remain wary of the challenging teams they have to play against.

“We play April 30, against our rivals Ysleta, the winner of that game will secure a spot in the playoffs and the loser goes home,” Bracamontes said.