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Alice's Ava Hernandez leads 2023 Caller-Times All-South Texas Softball Team

len hayward, corpus christi caller times
·7 min read

For the first time in Corpus Christi high school softball history, a team from the city has won a state championship. Calallen's victory against state power Liberty ended a state title drought for the city that goes back to when softball programs began popping up in the mid-1990s.

Which means that this year's All-South Texas team will feature a Coach of the Year from a Corpus Christi state champion for the first time.

Here is a look at the 2023 Caller-Times All-South Texas Softball Team

2023 All-South Texas Softball Team

Most Valuable Player

Alice's Ava Hernandez, 18, at the high school on June 21, 2023, in Alice, Texas. Hernandez is the All-South Texas Softball MVP.
Alice's Ava Hernandez, 18, at the high school on June 21, 2023, in Alice, Texas. Hernandez is the All-South Texas Softball MVP.

Ava Hernandez, sr., Alice

Hernandez made it known early in the 2023 season that she was going to be one of the area's best players, and never slowed down either in the circle or at the plate during the 2023 season. The senior and Our Lady of the Lake University signee has helped lead the Coyotes softball program to new heights during her tenure and that continued this season with a district championship and a trip to the regional semifinals. In the circle, Hernandez was 21-8 with 269 strikeouts in 165 innings, and at the plate hit .451 with nine doubles, seven triples, 15 home runs, 47 RBI and scored 43 runs, and all were among the area leaders when the season ended.

Newcomer of the Year

Calallen's Audryna Almaraz, 15, at the high school on June 15, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Almaraz is the 2023 All-South Texas Softball Newcomer.
Calallen's Audryna Almaraz, 15, at the high school on June 15, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Almaraz is the 2023 All-South Texas Softball Newcomer.

Audryna Almaraz, fr., Calallen

The younger sister of Calallen star Alaunah Almaraz came out of her shadow throughout the season as part of a stellar freshmen class for the Wildcats, and playing in a different position. When Wildcat catcher Brooklyn Meador suffered a season-ending knee injury, Almaraz stepped in behind the plate and shined. Almaraz hit .352 with 16 doubles, a triple, nine home runs and drove in 42 runs and scored 17.

Coach of the Year

Calallen head softball coach Teresa Lentz sits with the Class 4A championship trophy at the high school on June 15, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Lentz is the 2023 All-South Texas Softball Coach of the Year.
Calallen head softball coach Teresa Lentz sits with the Class 4A championship trophy at the high school on June 15, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Lentz is the 2023 All-South Texas Softball Coach of the Year.

Teresa Lentz, Calallen

During Lentz's tenure, the Wildcats have become a team to beat in Region IV, in Class 5A or 4A but what was missing was a state championship. Calallen had made two other appearances at the state tournament, only to lose in the state final. This season, the Wildcats broke through to make history, defeating state power Liberty, 9-7, in Austin and allowing Lentz to hoist state hardware for the first time. The state championship adds to the school's legacy as it now has a girls state basketball championship, to go along with three state baseball championships. And thanks to Lentz's leadership softball is added to that list. The Wildcats finished the season 30-6.

First Team

Infielders

Calallen's Alaunah Almaraz bats during the Class 4A regional final on Friday, May 26, 2023, in Jourdanton, Texas.
Calallen's Alaunah Almaraz bats during the Class 4A regional final on Friday, May 26, 2023, in Jourdanton, Texas.

Alaunah Almaraz, jr., Calallen

Of note: A stalwart in the field for three years, Almaraz hit .536 with 20 doubles, 11 home runs and drove in 50 runs. Was 31-4A Offensive Player of the Year.

Ray's Kayleen Rodriquez, left, congratulates Leah Cran on scoring during Tuesday's game at Cabaniss Softball Field, April 18, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Ray's Kayleen Rodriquez, left, congratulates Leah Cran on scoring during Tuesday's game at Cabaniss Softball Field, April 18, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Leah Cran, sr., Ray

Of note: The Baylor signee helped the Texans reached the District 29-5A zone playoffs in 2023.

Calallen junior Megan Geyer had four hits, reached base seven times, scored three runs and drove in two runs in Game 1 of the Class 4A regional quarterfinals. The Lady Cats won 19-1.
Calallen junior Megan Geyer had four hits, reached base seven times, scored three runs and drove in two runs in Game 1 of the Class 4A regional quarterfinals. The Lady Cats won 19-1.

Megan Geyer, jr., Calallen

Of note: Hit a scorching .535 this season with 15 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 33 RBI and scored 53 runs and was the 31-4A Defensive Player of the Year.

Carroll's Kaetlyn Mendez catches a fly ball in the infield on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi.
Carroll's Kaetlyn Mendez catches a fly ball in the infield on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi.

Kaetlyn Mendez, sr., Carroll

Of note: Mendez was a steady presence for the Tigers, hitting .421 with 37 RBI, scoring 35 runs and smacking 19 doubles.

Santa Gertrudis Academy's Audi Mireles throws to first base during the Region IV-3A softball final at Cabaniss Softball Field on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Santa Gertrudis Academy's Audi Mireles throws to first base during the Region IV-3A softball final at Cabaniss Softball Field on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Audi Mireles, jr., Santa Gertrudis Academy

Of note: The District 30-3A MVP hit .500 this season with 18 doubles, seven triples, two home runs, 42 RBI, scored 77 runs and stole 41 bases.

Outfielders

Gregory-Portland outfielder Reanna Aguirre
Gregory-Portland outfielder Reanna Aguirre

Reanna Aguirre, sr., Gregory-Portland

Of note: The District 29-5A North Zone Most Valuable Player hit lead off for the Ladycats this season, and compiled a .543 batting average with 10 doubles, a triple and 16 RBI.

Alice's Deeandra Maldonado takes a swing during a one-game regional semifinal playoff against Boerne at Jourdanton on Thursday, May 18, 2023. The Greyhounds won 7-2.
Alice's Deeandra Maldonado takes a swing during a one-game regional semifinal playoff against Boerne at Jourdanton on Thursday, May 18, 2023. The Greyhounds won 7-2.

DeeAndra Maldonado, jr., Alice

Of note: The District 31-4A Co-Offensive Player of the Year hit .495 with 16 doubles, two triples, two home runs, 21 RBI and scored 36 runs.

Santa Gertrudis Academy's Alexis Moreno catches a fly ball during the Region IV-3A softball final at Cabaniss Softball Field on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Santa Gertrudis Academy's Alexis Moreno catches a fly ball during the Region IV-3A softball final at Cabaniss Softball Field on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Alexxis Moreno, jr., Santa Gertrudis Academy

Of note: Moreno hit .400 with 12 doubles, two home runs, 34 RBI, 38 runs scored and tallied 26 walks.

London softball player Maddy Perez
London softball player Maddy Perez

Maddy Perez, jr., London

Of note: Perez hit a scorching .610 with 11 doubles, 11 triples, three home runs, 48 RBI, scored 50 runs and had 21 stolen bases. Also had a 0.276 ERA in the circle.

Veterans Memorial's Jada Zepeda fields a ball during Tuesday's game at Cabaniss Softball Field, April 18, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Veterans Memorial's Jada Zepeda fields a ball during Tuesday's game at Cabaniss Softball Field, April 18, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Jada Zepeda, so., Veterans Memorial

Of note: Zepeda is an electric base runner that stole 35 bases during the 2023 season, and hit .425 with seven doubles and scored 42 runs.

Pitchers

Sinton junior Jamie Burch pitches against Calallen during game one of the Class 4A area round playoff series on Thursday, May 4, 2023, in Sinton, Texas.
Sinton junior Jamie Burch pitches against Calallen during game one of the Class 4A area round playoff series on Thursday, May 4, 2023, in Sinton, Texas.

Jamie Burch, jr., Sinton

Of note: Burch finished the season with a 20-11 record, and had 257 strikeouts in 176.1 innings.

IWA softball player Monica Carrillo
IWA softball player Monica Carrillo

Monica Carrillo, sr., IWA

Of note: Carrillo was a key reason the Angels qualified for the state tournament in 2023, compiling a 1.036 ERA during the season.

Aransas Pass senior Jocelyne Galvan, 18, holds a ball and her glove at the high school softball on Jan. 26, 2023, in Aransas Pass, Texas.
Aransas Pass senior Jocelyne Galvan, 18, holds a ball and her glove at the high school softball on Jan. 26, 2023, in Aransas Pass, Texas.

Jocelyne Galvan, sr., Aransas Pass

Of note: The Vernon College signee tallied 296 strikeouts in 154.1 innings and had a 1.361 ERA to go with a .455 batting average with six home runs, 31 RBI and 42 runs.

Flour Bluff's Jade Moreno pitches during Tuesday's game at Cabaniss Softball Field on April 11, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Flour Bluff's Jade Moreno pitches during Tuesday's game at Cabaniss Softball Field on April 11, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Jade Moreno, sr., Flour Bluff

Of note: The 29-5A South Zone MVP hit .514 this season and also was 11-2 in the circle with 185 strikeouts in 139.1 innings.

Calallen's Jordyn Thibodeaux pitches during the Class 4A regional final on Friday, May 26, 2023, in Jourdanton, Texas.
Calallen's Jordyn Thibodeaux pitches during the Class 4A regional final on Friday, May 26, 2023, in Jourdanton, Texas.

Jordan Thibodeaux, fr., Calallen

Of note: The freshman hurler finished the season 21-2 with a 1.42 earned-run average with 196 strikeouts and hit .394 with five doubles and 31 RBI.

Catcher

Flour Bluff C Isabella Perez
Flour Bluff C Isabella Perez

Isabella Perez, sr., Flour Bluff

Of note: Perez hit .414 this season with 14 doubles, one triple, four home runs and 40 RBI.

Utility Players

Carroll's Kiley Flores pitches against Flour Bluff on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi.
Carroll's Kiley Flores pitches against Flour Bluff on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi.

Kiley Flores, Carroll

Of note: Flores hit .450 this season with eight doubles, two triples, one home run, 36 RBI and 25 runs, and also was 19-11 in the circle with 113 strikeouts.

Ingleside IF Audri Castillo
Ingleside IF Audri Castillo

Audri Castillo, sr., Ingleside

Of note: Castillo hit .581 during the season with 15 stolen bases, 41 runs, 30 RBI, 19 doubles and four home runs.

Second Team

Infielder

Samiya Johnson, sr., Flour Bluff; Talia Maldonado, jr., Veterans Memorial; Jackie Molina, sr., Alice; Taylor Reyes, jr., Santa Gertrudis Academy; Pepper Rodriguez, jr., IWA; Parker Rhoden, sr., London; Talina Valdez, fr., Tuloso-Midway

Outfielder

Alana Garcia, sr., Rockport-Fulton; Brianna Garza, sr., Carroll; Aylah Mata, jr., Carroll; Rayven Ramos, sr., Tuloso-Midway; Kayden Trevino, fr., Calallen

Pitcher

D’Andra Fernandez, fr., Santa Gertrudis Academy; Eva Gallegos, so., London; Bianca Gonzales, so., Taft;  Alexia Sanchez, fr., Refugio; Kadence Trevino, so., Hebbronville

Catcher

Karina Alarcon, so., Hebbronville; Alyssa Burdge, jr., Veterans Memorial

Utility

Ava Aleman, sr., IWA; Izzy De Los Santos, so., Santa Gertrudis Academy; Eva Gallegos, so., London

2023 Corpus Christi, Coastal Bend high school softball all-district teams

Manuel Flores: Calallen's state softball title leaves legacy for Corpus Christi

Third Team

Infielder

Alexia Alegria, jr., Hebbronville; Gabriella Chapa, sr., Alice; Julissa Hernandez, so., Rockport-Fulton; Mackenzie Mounts, jr., Calallen; Theresa Salinas, so., Hebbronville; Demiree Stafford, so., Tuloso-Midway

Outfielder

Juliana Alaniz, so., Taft; Chadriana Callis, sr., Refugio; Isabella Campos, so., Miller; Andrea Cantu, sr., Premont; Alinna Cruz, sr., Bishop; Melissa Deleon, jr., Refugio; Mia Flores, jr., Calallen; Ashlin Scott, sr., Bishop

Pitcher

Sidney Castillo, fr., Woodsboro; Audrey Diercks, so., Gregory-Portland; Maddison Mauricio, so., Gregory-Portland; Kyrsten Perez, jr., San Diego; Clarissa Valdez, jr., Tuloso-Midway

Catcher

Aubrey Gilchrist, jr., Tuloso-Midway; Cristela Trevino, so., Alice; Isabella Valdez, sr., Aransas Pass

Utility

Kalia Flaherty, so., Rockport-Fulton; Neaveh Lanter, sr., Flour Bluff; Samantha Mircovich, sr., Ingleside;  Ryanna Rodela, sr., Ray

Honorable mention

Pitcher — Jolie Mann, fr., Skidmore-Tynan; Aubrielle Saldana, Bishop

Infield — Merigrace Cantu, sr., Alice; Sierra Cantu, sr., Premont; Audrey Galindo, so., Premont; Brooke Castillo, so., Alice; Cereese Espinosa, fr., San Diego; Kaylor Freeman, sr., Refugio; Abby Hill, sr., Tuloso-Midway; Sophia Hilton, sr., Hebbronville; Mariana Molina, fr., San Diego; Amanda Muniz, so., Bishop; Natalie Munoz, jr., Rockport-Fulton; Mia Ortega, so., Flour Bluff; Tonya Rodriguez, jr., Woodsboro

Catcher — Hailey Allen, sr., Woodsboro; Kieana Cruz, so., Santa Gertrudis Academy

Outfield — Danica Salinas, jr., Tuloso-Midway; Marly Sanchez, jr., San Diego; Christyana Tully, sr., Woodsboro; Ciara Valadez, so., Alice

Utility — Claudia Fuentes, sr., Skidmore-Tynan; Kaeleigh Mendez, fr., Carroll; Alyah Medrano, jr., Sinton; Yanira Valdez, sr., Tuloso-Midway

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Meet the 2023 Caller-Times All-South Texas Softball Team