Savannah Ortiz slides, safe, into home plate to score the Port Aransas High School Lady Marlins’ first run against Bruni on Wednesday, March 28. The Lady Marlins ended up bouncing Bruni, 14-4. STAFF PHOTO BY CHRISTIE ORTIZ The Lady Marlins began the second half of their softball season with a trip to Benavides on Friday, March 30, returning with another “x” in the win column but only after what coach Steve Reaves called a “sloppy” start.

They wound up beating the Lady Eagles, 22-9.

“We did settle down and play well for the last four innings,” Reaves said.

The Lady Marlins took a load of bats with them, gathering 21 hits.

Savannah Ortiz, who’s been virtually the only person on the Port Aransas mound this season, collected her fifth district win against no losses – the same record as the team. Ortiz struck out seven and walked four.

Ortiz also homered for one of her trips to the plate as well as batting in four and scoring five herself. Missy Gilbreath launched two doubles and Kellie Owens hit another two-bagger.

Players and coaches place their hats over their hearts during a moment of reverence at the Port Aransas Little League’s opening day ceremonies Saturday, March 31. From left are Lexi Moss, Alvira Scott, Dominic Ford and Jeb Boulanger. COURTESY PHOTO BY MARIE PORTER RBIs also came from Owens

(three), Gilbreath (two), Brenna Martin (two), Devan Murray (two), Jordan Morris and Bakar Sackschewsky.

Altogether, the Lady Marlins stole 18 bases against Benavides.