Mater Academy Wins Fourth Straight District Title

Mater Academy came into the season with high expectations. After winning three straight district titles, this was the year the Lions had circled as the season they would break through and advance to states.

After starting the season 1-5, questions were being asked both inside and out of what was going on with the Lions.

Those questions, however, were answered as the season played on, and Mater did what it has always done under Manager Humberto Bencomo, get better as the season goes on.

Fast-Forward to Wednesday night, and the Lions completed their season turnaround, by defeating Varela 4-3, and winning the school’s fourth straight district title since Bencomo took over in 2022.

“We have been through a lot this year with injuries and other adversity,” said Bencomo. “But we crowned our fourth district title tonight, which was a great accomplishment for our program and these players.”

The game Wednesday was an exciting affair, with Mater jumping out to an early 1-0 lead in the first.

Varela tied the game at one in the third on a Jonathan Paniagua RBI single.

A Yodelkis Quevado double in the fifth gave Mater a 2-1 lead, which was extended to 3-1 in the sixth on a sacrifice squeeze from Andy Castillo.

The Vipers then showed some fight of their own, scratching out two runs in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game at three. Jiovanni Zara and Yoidi Martinez had the RBI singles to tie the game.

Mater then took the lead in the top of the seventh with a solo run, and turned the ball over to Adrian Pena, who struck out all three Vipers batters he faced, to secure the district title.

Even with their fourth straight district title, the Lions have their eyes on a bigger prize in 2025.

“Tonight was a great achievement,” said Bencomo. “But we are focused on getting back to states. We will prepare for regionals, and continue along our path to work hard to reach our goal of advancing to states.”

The Lions and Vipers will both be moving on to regionals, with each team finding out Friday who their opponents will be for the 6A regional quarterfinal best out of three match-ups.

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