Coyotes enjoying first half success against outstanding competition
The San Jacinto College Coyotes polished off the first half of their season having won 11 straight games, including contests against national powers Iowa Western, Indian Hills Iowa, and Navarro. The Coyotes outscored their opponents 72-17 in those games.
"It was a very good three-week period for us," said Kelly Saenz, Coyotes head coach. "Our ladies were very focused and have improved and developed tremendously during that stretch. We needed this heading into conference play next week. It is a testament to how hard they've worked."
Through the first half of play, the Coyotes enjoy an overall record of 18-9. The offense is hitting at .320 with 19 home runs and 154 runs scored. Taniece Tyson is leading the team (minimum 30 at bats) with a batting average of .403 and 6 home runs, and Juls Garica leading with a batting average of .417 and 20 stolen bases.
In the circle, the Coyotes are led by Christin Haygood (9-1) and Ronni Grofman (3-3). Haygood has been dominant i
n the zone, having accumulated 61 strikeouts to just 12 base on balls in 69 innings pitched. Grofman has 48 strikeouts, however, she has walked a few more than Haygood with 25. Combined, the two have an overall record of 12-4 with 109 strikeouts.
"Offensively, we have been quite balanced in our approach," said Kelsey Walters, Coyotes assistant coach. "With that being said, Taniece has led this team and has been outstanding. She hits in our four-hole, has nine multi-hit games, and is a leader among the team."
The Coyotes look to carry the early season momentum into conference play. Conference home opener on March 18 is against Blinn, which has struggled up to this point with an overall record of 5-16.
"We won't overlook anyone," said Saenz. "Blinn's record is not indicative of the talent level and tremendous coaching staff in Brenham. We'll go into that series like they are the best team in America, and we will have confidence in our two tremendous arms in Haygood and Grofman to give us a chance to win."
To follow along with the San Jacinto College-South Coyotes, visit sanjacsports.com or visit the team website directly at San Jac Softball.
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. San Jacinto College is among the top five community colleges in the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute for Community College Excellence, and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College spans five campuses serving approximately 41,000 credit and non-credit students annually, and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. San Jacinto College's impact on the region totals $1.3 billion in added income, which supports 13,044 jobs. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA and Aa2 by Standard & Poor's and Moody's.
For more information about San Jacinto College call 281-998-6150, visit sanjac.edu or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
