(Weslaco, Texas)-The 32-6A Weslaco Lady Panthers are headed back to the University Interscholastic League Region IV Semifinals for the first time since 2022 after sweeping 31-6A La Joya in two games 1-0, 5-3 to advance. Head coach Mario Rodriguez was proud of his Lady Panthers. “First, La Joya played a great series and its a big win for our program,” added Rodriguez.
With the win, the Lady Panthers (31-5) will face third place 26-6A Austin Lake Travis (25-13) this weekend in Beeville on Friday night in the Best of Three series on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. All games will be played at Beeville High School. Game Two will be played at 12:00 noon on Saturday and if necessary, Game Three will follow 30 minutes later. Austin Lake Travis finished third overall in District 26-6A outscoring their opponents 235-135 this season. On the mound, the Lady Cavs are led by freshmen pitcher Julianna Rodriguez (20-11) while the team has 326 hits for the season with 180 team strikeouts. The Lady Panthers has outscored their opponents 350-65 with 16 shutouts.
The winner will face 27-6A Shertz Clemens (28-8) or 29-6A San Antonio Brennan (29-5) in the UIL State 6A Quarterfinals. Winner will advance to the state tournament.
La Joya pitcher Arlette Hernandez led her Lady Coyotes on the mound while the Weslaco Lady Panthers won the Best of Three series. (HSSMImages/DeLeon)