ELSA – The first year Edcouch-Elsa High School had a softball team, they called themselves “Team 1”.

Current Jackets coach Ruth Flores was a member of “Team 1”.

This year, she’s leading “Team 23.”

The hope on campus is “Team 23” can do something no other Edcouch-Elsa softball team has done before.

“One of our main goals at the beginning of the season is to make the playoffs and try to go as far as we can here at E-E for the first time past the area round,” said Flores.

The Jackets are in this position after a hard-fought 1st round series with Pioneer. In the clincher, senior Jackie Alvarado made one of the game’s biggest plays.  A catch in the outfield with the bases loaded.

“I saw the ball coming and I saw it going over me,” said Alvarado. “I ran back and stuck my hand out. I jumped and hit the fence and I fell. I got up, I threw my glove up to see if he had counted it out. He did so I was pretty excited.”

Defensive, show-stopping plays have been the trademark of this year’s team. The Jackets’ increased focus on defense has led to more wins.

“It’s a very big key because you make one error and it leads to another,” said senior Sieanna Ortiz. “So I guess defense is the big key in softball and we have a pretty strong defense.”

“That’s the most important thing about softball,” said Alvarado. “You just get so motivated when you make a good catch, such a good play. It makes the game even better.”

In other words, when the softball is coming your way, you better make the stop.

The Jackets are using extra defensive drills this week to sharpen their stingers for a 2nd round series with Calallen.

“They’re trying their best,” said Flores. “They’re clicking right now as a team. Hopefully we come out with a win this weekend.”

The area round series starts Friday in Elsa at 7pm. Game 2 of the series will be in Calallen Saturday at 2pm. A 3rd game will follow if necessary.