BRYAN — The Hutto High School varsity softball team notched its first three victories of the 2024 season as the Lady Hippos competed Feb. 15-17 at the Bryan High School tournament.
The Lady Hippos began their stay in Bryan with three consecutive losses as they fell 11-5 to Franklin High School, were edged 7-6 by Willis High School and came up short 5-2 against Tomball High School. However, Hutto ended with a strong run in the second half of tournament play on Friday and Saturday.
The Lady Hippos won their first game of the season in dominant fashion as Hutto routed Justin Northwest High School 11-1. Hutto was led by a standout performance from senior Makayla Martinez who had two home runs and six runs batted in, while junior pitcher Elizabeth Espinosa picked up the win with three strikeouts and one unearned run allowed.
Hutto got going offensively later in its 11-2 victory over San Antonio Incarnate Word High School as the Lady Hippos scored three times in the third inning and added eight runs in the bottom of the fourth. Martinez drove in three runs for Hutto, while junior Jailene Pina and sophomore Kenna Spence each plated two runs apiece. Lady Hippos junior Jayda Gallegos was the winning pitcher as she struck out five opposing batters.
The Lady Hippos’ final victory of the Bryan tourney was a thriller as Hutto came from behind with an 8-7 win over Tidehaven High School. Down 7-4 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Hutto scored four runs to end tournament play on a very high note. Pina and Spence drove in two runs, while sophomore Sophie Mcelyea also had a run batted in.
Hutto (3-4 overall record) under Head Coach Matthew Mullins is scheduled Feb. 20 for a non-district road game at Cedar Park High School and will then compete Feb. 22-24 at a tournament hosted by Round Rock Westwood High School.
