by 
Ray High Bearcats
Ray’s Daniella Hinojos threw a no-hitter in the Lady Cats’ opening round playoff win against No. 16-seed Valley Lutheran last Friday. The sophomore also went 3-for-4 at the plate and drove in three runs in the win.
The defending state champions earned the top-seed in the 2017 1A State Championship Tournament and looked every bit the team to beat in a lopsided 18 – 0 opening round victory against the Flames.
Tara Lorona also had three hits, including a homerun and three RBI in the game. Julie Meza hit a pair of doubles among her three hits with an RBI. Janae Ruiz was the fourth Lady Cat to have three hits in the game. Gabby Montano homered for one of her two hits and drove in three runs while Danni Montano had a pair of hits and two RBI. Haily Mabuce, a senior, was one of seven Lady Cats to have at least two hits in the game. She also had a pair of RBI.
Hinojos’ five-inning no hitter included 11 strikeouts with one walk.
With the win, the Lady Cats will face No. 9-seed Hayden, which won by forfeit in the opening round. The matchup between the rivals will take place on Friday, May 5 at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Visit www.azpreps365.com to view the complete tournament bracket.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
by by