Lady Lions end softball season

Ozona—The Lady Lions softball team saw its season come to a close last week after a playoff appearance. 

The Ozona High School softball team finished fourth in district play, ending their season in the bi-district championship. The Lady Lions lost against the Colorado City Lady Wolves at home April 23 and the following day in Colorado City. 

“The season hasn't been the season that we wanted it to be, but we've made it to playoffs. That's what really mattered,” Sofia Elizondo said. “I guess [we’ll be] finishing it out with a good game.”

Players reflect on season goals

Several players pointed to personal goals and team resilience as highlights of the year.

“It didn't go as planned, but we still made the playoffs,” Mia Rodriguez said. “My goal for this season is to hit a home run.” 

Mercedes Perez echoed similar sentiments. 

“I think the season didn't go as we expected or as we wanted it to go, but we still made playoffs,” Perez said. 

Perez added that one of her personal goals was “to end my softball career with a cool diving play.”

Confidence and overcoming adversity

Throughout the season, players said confidence fluctuated, but the team found strength when working together.

“The confidence in our team has been all over the place, but overall, it's been pretty good when we come together,” Elizondo said. “My greatest achievement has been making everybody happy, being there for everybody.”

Rodriguez said the team’s ability to push through challenges stood out.

“It's been up and down, but overall it's been okay,” she said. “My greatest achievement is finishing the season against adversity.”

Perez highlighted the team’s potential when united.

“I'm very confident in me and my team. I think we have a lot of good players,” she said. “Whenever we bring it all together, we work as a team and we step on the field like we own it, we end up doing pretty good.” 

She also noted that starting as a freshman remains one of her proudest accomplishments.

Seniors motivated in final season

With several seniors on the roster, the season carried added significance as their final opportunity to compete at the high school level.

“This year motivates me by being my last year and leaving everything out there and having this love for the sport,” Elizondo said.

Before the final game of the season, Perez spoke about her motivation. 

“This is my last run,” she said. “This is my last time playing this game probably forever. So, I'm going to give it all I have and leave it all on the field one last time.”