5-11-2024 4:10am

Lady Tigers Win State Championship Round 1, Le Cueva, Centennial and Hobbs Hungry for Title

Chris Edwards Editor

Tiger pitcher Sydney Lessentine signed with Texas A & M has a great team backing her but has pressure from Le Cueva, Centennial and Hobbs.

The Alamogordo Lady Tigers Softball team dominated Number 16 Cleveland in a game on Tiger home turf in round one of the state Fast pitch competition on Friday. After the first inning the Tigers were up 5 to zero. Going into the second inning the Tigers continued to roar in dominating the field with run ending the inning at 11 to zero.

No. 1 Alamogordo continued its streak and defeated No. 16 Cleveland 15-0 in the 5A State Tournament round 1.

The Lady Tigers advance to play the winner of No. 8 Piedra Vista-No. 9 Albuquerque High on Thursday at 11 AM at Cleveland High School.

Stats for the game include:

Sydney Lessentine 4 IP, 8K, 0H

Daviana Gonzalez 3-3, HR, 2B, 5 RBI, 2R

Sydney Lessentine 3-3, 2 HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 2R

Amani Cosom 2-3, RBI, R, SB

Hailey Evans 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, R

Meyli Herrera 1-3, R, RBI

Alyssa Bautista 1-2, RBI, 2R, BB

Alexis Rodriguez 1-1, 2R, 2BB

Aislynn Ortiz 1-2, R

Khloe Lunar 0-2, 2R, BB

Addison Chamberlain - R

New Mexico’s Sydney Lessentine, of Alamogordo has the distinction of being named the Prep Max #1 player in the state going into the season per a February report and ranking.

She is the Tiger lead Pitcher, Class of 2024 and has lead the team all season.
Sydney Lessentine is a Texas A&M signee has been playing varsity softball since she was in eighth grade. She is arguably the state's top hitter and pitcher and is leading the team as the team to watch with an expectation and hope for a new state banner this 2024 season.

The Tigers have played a tough schedule and prevailed well over the competition, and shined with a huge Tiger roar defeating elite 5A competitors like Mayfield, Organ Mountain, Centennial, Piedra Vista, La Cueva, and Farmington.

Meyli Herrera, Sydney Lessentine, and Amani Cosom lead their offense each with significant shining moments. Each complimenting one another’s performance.

This Tiger team as a whole has had a consistent year of solid teamwork and excellent performance and has definitely demonstrated the roar of Tiger Pride.

A run down on the season led by Head Coach: Charlene Reyes.

Prior to tonight’s game the Tigers 2024 record was 23 and 3 overall with 14 and 1 in the district

2023 Post Season (Last Season): L, Consolation RD3 (Piedra Vista 1-0)

The Tigers Girls have worn State Championships only in 2004 and again 1999 so a victory would be a first state title in 20 years!

Entering the Playoffs the Lady Tigers have a 12 game win streak.

The real threat to the Tigers comes from La Cueva who has had a phenomenal season against tough competition, defeating Cibola, Alamogordo, Sandia, Volcano Vista, and Piedra Vista

They are led by Addisen Byers, Liliana Montoya, and Kyra Zamora. With top pitcher Hannah Hunt, the Bears could easily go all the way as they have a solid team and are focused on wanting to win their third blue trophy. La Cueva is led by Head Coach: Ron Romero And their 2024 Record: 22-4 overall, 10-0 district playing a competitive field in New Mexico’s biggest school district.

La Cueva last won a State Championship in 2017 and has won only one other 2005.

Entering the Playoffs they are on 13-game winning streak.

Congratulations ladies on both Alamogordo and the La Cueva teams as you progress forward. These are the two teams expected to compete in the state final playoff game. However each have to remain consistent to reach that point through a few games for that matchup which could be the best in New Mexico in several years.

There is a threat to both of these teams from hungry 3rd seated CENTENNIAL HAWKS of Las Cruces. The Hawks have had a good season, beating some good competition, including Cibola, Organ Mountain, Carlsbad, Mayfield, and Alamogordo once. They are led by Amanda Valles and Zantelle Rodriguez, and Addie Moccia. Caprice Barela leads them on the mound, putting in a good innings. They are coached by Fernie Valles would love to pull off an upset of the power of La Cueva and of the Alamogordo Tigers and their potential threat cannot be underestimated.

And finally the Hobbs Eagles are also a team to watch ranking number 4 in the state. It’s been a strong year for Southern New Mexico softball having Alamogordo ranked #1 in the state, Las Cruces Centennial at #3 and Hobbs at #4. Hobbs is coached by Anthony Boyle. Their 2024 Record is 21-5 overall and 10-2 in their district. Hobbs has had a stellar season rebounding; after last season and they are indeed championship contenders not to be forgotten for their potential and hunger to win. They overcome teams like Mayfield, Carlsbad, and Los Lunas. Karissa Garcia, Allison Garcia, and Edyth Garcia lead their stellar offense. The Eagles have great pitching from underclassman Ailea Trevizo. Hobbs will try to add a trophy they haven’t won in 38 years wanting to bring it back to their hometown. Out of all the teams, this is a team that definitely can and must not be under estimated.

Stay tuned and let’s all root for our hometown Lady Tigers and show them the community support they deserve!