LA Wild and Pojoaque Venom Team, front row from left, Kiana Salazar, Amelia Leyba, Kamilah Lujan, Mila Branch, Porscha Sanchez, Audrey Artnak, Hayden Anderson, Morgan Stewart, and Natalie Rodarte. Center row from left, Flora Samuel, Ayriss Maestas, Ayla Bustos, Tessa Maes, Adalynn Pacheco, Addison Lowe, Ava Zadina, Addison Martinez, Maren Hanson, and Gemma Gutierrez. Back row from left, Coaches Loren Maes, Kim Sanchez, Julian Sanchez, Adam Branch, Shawn Lowe, and Joe Artnak. Not pictured, Emery Apperson, Rebekah Silva, and Coach Ric Rodarte. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
SPORTS News:
The Los Alamos Little League (LALL) wrapped-up Minors Softball this week as the LA Wild and Pojoaque Venom traded home fields in their final two games of the season. Players performed at their highest level all season with numerous exciting plays by both teams that kept fans entertained and engaged through the last inning of both games.
In the end, the Wild’s exceptional batting and presence at the plate proved too much for the Venom to overcome as the Wild claimed two wins to finish their season with a league best record of 9-1 overall.
In Game 1, the Wild were led by Addison Martinez and Ava Zadina who both went 4-4 and combined for 7 runs batted in on the day. Hayden Anderson, Audrey Artnak, Addison Lowe, Gemma Gutierrez, and Morgan Stewart each had multiple hits that helped the Wild amass a total of 28 hits for the game.
The Venom were led by Porscha Sanchez with 2 runs batted in and Flora Samuel who went 3-3 on the day. Tessa Maes, Adalynn Pacheco, and Kamilah Lujan each collected multiple hits to help the Venom accrue 13 total hits for the game.
In Game 2, the Wild were led by Emery Apperson and Maren Hanson who powered 2 solo home runs and a single 3-run home run, respectively. Natalie Rodarte and Rebekah Silva each drove in multiple runs to round out a strong performance by the entire batting lineup. The Venom were led by Flora Samuel who went 3-3 with 4 runs batted in and Adalynn Pacheco who went 4-4 at the plate. Tessa Maes, Kiana Salazar, Porscha Sanchez, Kamilah Lujan, and Amelia Leyba each collected multiple hits for the Venom.
“These games highlighted terrific performances by all players on both teams and just how much progress these players have made in their development throughout the season,” Wild Head Coach Joe Artnak said. “I am especially proud of the consistent effort, commitment, and support shown by each of these players not only in pursuit of their own success, but that of their teammates and the game of softball as well. Coach Maes (Venom head coach) and Pojoaque Valley Little League clearly share the same philosophy and approach to the game as emphasized by Los Alamos Little League. Most of all, I appreciate everything Joe Coulter (President) and Katie Benedict (VP Softball) have done to ensure the growth and continued success of our program here in Los Alamos and I am confident next season will be the program’s best.”
Ava Zadina makes contact that leads to a hard-hit ground ball for the LA Wild. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Natalie Rodarte sprints towards first base as Tessa Maes reaches down to field the ball. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Maren Hanson reaches for the ball on first base as Adalynn Pacheco tries to beat the throw. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Addison Lowe fields a ground ball to the in field near the pitching mound. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
beat the throw to first base for the second time on a similar play during the game. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Mila Branch takes a good swing at the ball with Ava Zadina behind home plate. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Adalynn Pacheco reaches for the ball as Audrey Artnak reaches third base safely. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Gemma Gutierrez fields a hard-hit ball to the in field during the third inning of the game. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com