The Marble Falls High School softball team kicked off their 2025 season with a bang, defeating Austin McNeil 11-1 in just five innings on February 11. The Lady Mustangs showcased solid defense, powerful hitting, and strong teamwork to break their losing streak and rewrite their opening-game history. It was their first season-opening victory since 2021, and the win set a promising tone for the games ahead.
Early Lead Sets the Tone
The Lady Mustangs wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning. However, McNeil tried to respond with a potential comeback. The turning point came when a deep hit to left field threatened to put the Mavericks on the scoreboard.
Left fielder Riley Frisch quickly recovered the ball and threw it to shortstop Jocelyn Suarez, who then delivered a perfect throw to catcher Callie Phillips. Phillips made the tag just in time, stopping the runner from scoring.
“Riley did a good job of recovery,” said head coach Alex Lozoya. “Jocelyn threw a ball that was easy for Callie. I told the kids that when you can hit and defend, you give yourselves a chance. They made big-time plays in big-time situations.”
This defensive gem set the tone for the rest of the game, giving the team confidence and energy to maintain their lead.
Pitching Power from Freshman Brooklyn Damico
Freshman pitcher Brooklyn Damico made an impressive debut, giving up only one earned run and striking out four batters. Coach Lozoya praised Damico’s composure, especially for a young player stepping into the spotlight for the first time.
“She let her defense play defense,” Lozoya said. “Brooklyn handled it well, and Callie looked good.”
Damico’s performance in the circle helped keep McNeil’s batters off balance, giving the Lady Mustangs a solid foundation to build on throughout the game.
Offensive Firepower Delivers Big
The Lady Mustangs’ bats were hot, recording 15 hits in just five innings. Several players stepped up with key performances at the plate:
- Sophia Biagini: 2 RBIs from crucial, timely hits
- Kylie Roberts: 2 RBIs in her first game back after basketball season
- Cheyenne Thompson: 2 RBIs, including two clutch hits with two outs
- Cheyenne Blair, Mackenzie Grider, and Callie Phillips: Each added an RBI to the tally
“The kids were putting some power on the ball,” Lozoya said. “Sophia had two clutch hits that scored two. It was nothing fancy; she just put the ball in play. Cheyenne had two hits with two outs, too.”
Kylie Roberts, who joined the team just days before the game after her basketball season ended, didn’t miss a beat. She and shortstop Jocelyn Suarez looked like a seasoned duo, providing stability in the infield and contributing offensively.
A Historic Win for Marble Falls
This victory was more than just a solid performance — it marked a significant milestone for the team. Last year, McNeil had defeated Marble Falls 13-3 in five innings, and the Lady Mustangs hadn’t won a season opener since 2021, when they beat Fischer Canyon Lake 12-2.
“It was a solid win,” Lozoya said. “The last couple of years, we’ve had four to six losses before we got a win. We have a winning record. I told the kids, ‘You’re 1-0. You get a chance to defend it.’”
The team now heads into the Kerrville Tournament with momentum on their side. They will face Ingram Tom Moore and Leakey on Friday, followed by matchups against Johnson City and Comfort on Saturday.
