PSJA North advances after 2-0 sweep of Weslaco East

PHARR — It was all smiles and tears of joy here at PSJA North High School’s softball field as the Raiders completed a 2-0 sweep against the Weslaco East Wildcats.

The Raiders got matched up with the Weslaco East squad in the bi-district round of the playoffs for Conference 5A Division I.

In a best-of-three series, the Raiders grabbed the first win on Thursday as they defeated the Wildcats in Weslaco by the score of 9-5. On Friday, the Raiders took control of the home-field advantage and delivered a 6-1 dub in front of a full crowd.

PSJA North got to a quick start as they put up 6 runs within the first three innings to put them up comfortably in a 6-0 position.

The defense for the Raiders was quite keen as they only allowed four hits on the night with zero errors. As for the Wildcats, they had four miscues — which was also an ailment in the first game. 

The ’Cats were able to get a lone score at the top of the fifth inning as a runner slipped by to home from third base after the focus was getting the batter out at first.

Raelyn Mancias, pitcher for PSJA North, has been delivering for her team throughout the season. In terms of the best in the Valley for pitching, Mancias is up there with them.

“I’m very proud of the team,” she said. “I knew going into the games that I was going to trust them and I knew that they were going to have my back.”

The weather — if you were out and about — was real muggy and quite humid. Attendees during and after the game could be seen swatting themselves due to the gnats or bugs that were present throughout the night.

Luckily, the PSJA North team was quick to cool down Head Coach Brett Esparza with a water shower from the cooler after the game.

He was laughing, players were covering their mouths from excitement and everyone seemed in sync for a moment.

“I mean, this week’s the best ball we’ve played all year. You know what I’m saying?” the drenched coach said, trying to catch his breath like an outfielder running to grab a pop fly after an attempt in dodging the freezing water. 

Esparza not only gave props to Mancias for taking the team on her back, but more specifically, he said he couldn’t have done it without his coaching staff.

“So, we’re doing great things at the right time, which is what you wanna be, when you play your best ball in the playoffs," he said. "The girls are doing that and as I said, it’s just, we’re hitting, hitting our stride."

So, what now?
The Raiders are now in the Area round of the playoffs aka the second round.

They will play this week in a best of three-game series against Corpus Christi Veterans — who is a pretty tough squad who finished first in district 29-5A.

When are the games?
The first game is on Thursday in Corpus at 7 p.m.

If you’re thinking, “Darn, I can’t make that one.” — no worries.

Game 2 will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at PSJA North High School. If a third game is needed to settle the series, it will be played 30 minutes after Game 2.