Welcome to our new web site!

To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.

During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.

UPDATE: Centennial loses to Carlsbad in state 5A title game

Loss ends Hawks' storybook march through state tournament

Posted

Update: The Centennial High School softball team’s run through the state playoffs came up one win short and now the Hawks have their sights set on winning that last game next year. 

The Hawks, 25-8 overall and seeded No. 2, lost 13-6 to top seed Carlsbad in the state 5A championship game Saturday night in Albuquerque, ending a storybook run through the state tournament. 

Centennial had to win three do-or-die games Friday to work its way through the consolation bracket of the double-elimination tournament to reach the championship game. 

But all that softball seemed to catch up with them and they ran out of gas, Centennial coach Fernie Valles said. 

With Carlsbad holding a 6-5 lead, Valles decided to pull ace pitcher Caprice Barela after five innings.  

“She didn’t look too comfortable and I wanted to make sure she didn’t get hurt,” he said. “Her future is more important than any game.” 

Barela had pitched three complete games on Friday and two earlier on Thursday. 

In the sixth inning, Centennial was unable to convert a double play and Carlsbad went on to score four runs. In the bottom half of the inning, Centennial left the bases loaded. 

That proved to be the difference in the game, Valles said. 

While the loss hurts, there is plenty to be proud of concerning this season, Valles said. 

“I am very proud of this softball team,” Valles said. “This young team never put their heads down; they competed in district and competed in the state tournament. 

“I’m very proud of them, every single one of them,” Valles said. 

After seeing Carlsbad celebrate its state championship, Centennial wants to get back to the state final next year and be the ones doing the celebrating, Valles said. 

Centennial has two juniors and no seniors on its team; the rest of the squad is either freshmen or sophomores. 

“We are looking good for next year, but there are no guarantees,” Valle said.  

Gianna Villegas went 3-for-4 in the state final, and Amanda Valles hit a three-run homer in the first inning to get them going. 

Friday, Centennial beat No. 4 La Cueva 10-7, No. 9 Piedra Vista 2-0 and No. 3 Alamogordo 12-10 to reach the state title game.  

Thursday, Centennial started out with a 5-4 loss to No. 7 Hobbs but then rebounded in the consolation bracket for a 2-1 win over No. 6 Cleveland High. 

Friday's story: The Centennial High School softball team earned a trip to the state 5A title game and they did it the hard way -- coming up through the consolation bracket. 

The Hawks, 25-7 and seeded No. 2, won three do-or-die games Friday, culminating with a 12-10 win over No. 3 Alamogordo. 

Earlier Friday, the Hawks beat No. 9 Piedra Vista 2-0 and beat No. 4 La Cueva 10-7 to start their day. 

Centennial now advances to the state 5A title game against No. 1 seeded Carlsbad at 5 p.m. Saturday at the University of New Mexico. The Hawks will have to beat Carlsbad twice to win the title. 

Centennial sophomore pitcher Caprice Barela threw three complete games in all three victories Friday. 

Coach Fernie Valles said he tried to pull Barela in the Piedra Vista game but she wouldn’t come out. 

“She’s a workhorse,” Valles said.  

“It takes the whole team to win all three games like that, but credit to (Barela),” Valles said. “She threw well and she is ready for tomorrow.” 

Centennial led Alamogordo 10-2 at one point before Barela started to tire from pitching all day, Valles said. 

Valles said his team struggled at the plate during their first day in Albuquerque when they were knocked into the consolation round with a 5-4 loss to No. 7 Hobbs. The Hawks then rebounded with a 2-1 win over Cleveland later on Thursday. 

Friday, the bats came alive for Centennial -- with 13 hits against La Cueva, seven hits against Piedra Vista and 15 hits against Alamogordo.  

Amanda Valles hit a home run against Piedra Vista, while Gianna Villegas was 3-for-3 against Alamogordo, 2-for-3 against PV and 2-for-3 against La Cueva.  

Valles said they will enjoy the victories for a little bit and then get ready for Carlsbad, which was the state 5A runner-up last year. The two teams played in Centennial’s first two games of the season, and the Hawks lost both but one was in extra innings.  

Centennial doesn’t have any seniors on its team and just two juniors; the rest are freshmen and sophomores. 

“Being so young and not having senior leadership, it was a tough season (at times),” Valles said. “They stuck together and trusted the coaches that the program would work. They followed it and we are here.” 

Valles promised that his team won’t just be happy to reach the state title game but will be in it to win it. 

In 1A baseball, Mesilla Valley Christian lost to top-seeded Gateway Christian 11-1 to end its season.


X