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Luna’s Angelica Ortiz leading the nation in home runs, RBI’s
It’s early in the season and Luna Community College softball player Angelica Ortiz is making a name for herself at the National Junior College Athletic Association level. Ortiz, a sophomore from Albuquerque, is leading the nation in home runs with eight and RBI’s with 31.
“I put my faith in God and trust Him,” said Ortiz recently about her early season play. “I put a lot into softball; as a student-athlete I have to figure out how to get the extra work in. I try my best every day.”
Ortiz is one of two Luna softball players to earn honorable mention all-region last season.
“I ask our players to pay attention to two important numbers, batting average and RBI’s,” said Luna softball coach Randy Krutsch. “Angelica obviously listened. She is doing things she is supposed to be doing. She is a positive leader and a great student-athlete. We’re happy to have her on the team.”
Ortiz plays catcher and third base for the Lady Rough Riders.
“My success would be nothing without my teammates,” says Ortiz. “I love my teammates; I look to them when I’m struggling. They are a big part of my success.”
Elisha Velasquez, a sophomore from Albuquerque, is tied for ninth in the nation in home runs with three.
Krutsch said that both Ortiz and Velasquez have received several offers from four-year universities to continue their softball careers.
The Lady Rough Riders are 2-8 on the season. They have played a tough early season schedule.
“We’re competing; I’m pleased with the progress,” says Krutsch.
The Lady Rough Riders play Frank Phillips College in a home opener on Friday, Feb. 9. The scheduled double header begins at noon at Rodriguez Park.
The Luna baseball team (0-8) travel to Pima College in Arizona over the weekend.
The Rough Riders have lost four games to Eastern Arizona and four games to New Mexico Military Institute.
“The guys are working hard; we’re knocking on the door to win,” says Luna first year baseball coach Erick Wright. “If we correct a couple of things we should be okay.”