Lady Rattlers fall in final inning of district opener

CALDWELL — Navasota stood toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the district but couldn’t outlast the Caldwell Lady Hornets, falling in the final inning 8-7.

The Lady Rattlers fell to 13-4 on the season and 0-1 in District 26-4A.

Trailing 6-5 after six innings, Navasota took the lead in the seventh, scoring a pair of runs.

Madison Bowmen singled on a line-drive to left to lead off the top of the seventh and advanced to second on an error. Bowman later scored on a single by Desiree Calderon to even the score 6-6.

Mia Nunez reached on a hit by pitch and scored later with a single by Samantha Harris to give Navasota a 7-6 lead.

The Lady Hornets battled back in the home half of the seventh to win the game 8-7.

“We saw a lot of great things,” said Navasota Head Coach Jenna Bane. “Caldwell beat us 17-1 this time last year and returned all nine of their starters, so falling short by one run in the bottom of the seventh speaks for itself. We’re proud of our improvements but are eager to continue getting better.”

The Lady Rattlers collected eight hits in the contest with Nunez going 2-3 with two runs scored. Calderon was 2-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Emily Ripkoski was 1-3 with one RBI and one run scored, Samantha Harris was 1-3 with a double and one RBI; Bowman was 1-3, one run; and Melissa Rapp was. 1-3 with one RBI. Alyssa Bustamante also picked up an RBI.

Ripkoski took the loss on the mound, allowing five earned runs and nine hits. She struck out six batters.

“This game gave our team confidence that we belong in the top of the district and there’s no doubt we will continue to fight and get there,” said Bane. “With four of the six teams in our district being ranked in the top 10, including us, all games Tuesday were won by a single run. It’s safe to say this is the best and most competitive district and the district title is up for grabs. Every game in district is vital and were taking it one game at a time. This team is hungry for success and will do everything to achieve it.”

Navasota continued district play Tuesday, hosting LaGrange (results were not available at press time). Navasota will host Bellville beginning at 5 p.m. for junior varsity and 7 p.m. for varsity Friday, March 22.

The Lady Rattlers will host the Smithville Lady Tigers with the same start times Tuesday, March 26.