Mater Academy One Step From Defending 5A Regional Title

When Mater Academy lost to Okeechobee on Friday night, in game one of their best of three 5A regional semifinal series, heads turned. The Brahmans have had a great year, but nobody expected them to give fits to one of the best teams in the state.

That left a scenario where Mater had their backs against the wall for the first time this playoff season when Saturday rolled around.

The Lions handled the pressure and expectations the way a champion usually does, putting together two stellar performances, winning 9-3 and 24-3, to leave no doubt that Friday’s game was a simple hiccup in their journey to defend their state title.

Mater won the series 2-1, and now moves on to host the regions #2 team, Archbishop McCarthy.

“We came into this series against Okeechobee and the ball didnt fall our way on Friday,” said Lions Manager Humberto Bencomo. “That left us in a position where we knew we had to come out Saturday and sweep, and we did.”

The first game Saturday, Mater handed the ball to Jaden Lao. The junior provided the stability on the mound early, shutting the Brahmans out through the first three innings. That allowed Mater to build a 6-0 lead through three.

“Jordan coming out and doing what he did, throwing a complete game, and holding them scoreless early, was a huge momentum builder for us,” said Bencomo. “It allowed us to set up our pitching for the second game.”

Offensively, Bryan Mesa and Brandon Lorenzo did the heavy lifting, with three hits apiece. Mesa and Bryan Fernandez drove in two runs each in the game.

Turns out in the second game, the pitching being set up wouldn’t matter much. The Lions showed their championship pedigree in the first inning, when they put up 12 runs, and hit four home runs.

Dylan Fernandez went 4-for-4, with three home runs, a double, and seven RBIs. Bryan Mesa, not to be outdone, went 3-for-4, with two home runs, a double, and seven RBIs. Yodelkis Quevado completed the three-headed mosnter attack, going 3-for-3, with four runs and five RBIs. Bryan Fernandez also homered in the game.

“That first inning where we hit four home runs, and scored 12 runs, allowed us to breath, and we were able to take care of business the rest of the way, and win the series. The challenge of this weekend showed what these guys are made of, and I am proud for how they came out today.”

The Lions and Mavericks met earlier this season, with Mater winning 4-0.

“We are excited to be back where we have been before, and to be in position to play a series to get back to states. We will spend the week preparing, and will be ready for this opportunity,” said Bencomo.

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