LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
One of the definitions of "quit" is to give up or relinquish.
"Quit" is not in the vocabulary of the Lady Warhawks, who traveled to League City last weekend for the South Texas State Finals Softball Tournament and were crowned 2011 champions.
As impressive as completing the tournament with a 5-1 record, the team went to League City undermanned with 10 players because the seven other players were unable to make the trip.
Shortstop Corina Vieyra said the team was a little nervous that injuries could play a part in derailing their goals but team faith pulled through.
"We have strong girls all round," Vieyra said.
Having their eyes on the prize made it easy for the team to put away their jitters and focus on winning.
"It was just easy to come back and say 'this is what we are going to do,' and we just did it," Vieyra said.
Coach Salomon Vieyra admired his team's heart and love of the game for getting through the weekend undermanned.
"They really stepped up to the plate, did their job, and worked hard all weekend," Vieyra said. "What they did was amazing. They love the game, and they put everything they had into the tournament."
Coach's expectations for the team reverberate through the players with commitment and hard work.
"If his expectations are high, than ours are going to be just as high," Gracie Clowe said. "He brings out the best in all of us. There definitely wouldn't be a team without Coach V."
Coach Vieyra knew his team would pull through when they were down twice against their opponents by 10 and 12 points, respectively. They came back with their bats as late as the seventh inning.
After this weekend, he feels the Warhawks are a team opposition will say, "We better watch out for" when all 17 players show up.
"The girls who were missing make this team a whole lot better," Vieyra said.
With the South Texas State Softball title in hand, the Warhawks receive an automatic berth to the Lone Star Shootout "Battle of the Rings at Big League Dreams in Mansfield. Held July 30-31, the BOTR hosts the top 16 women's softball teams in Texas.
The shootout hosts teams, both civilian and military. The Lady Warhawks recently earned the number one ranking in the D/E division in Texas. It's the first time a military team (men or women) in any division has been ranked that high.
When asked if he was confident his team would win the upcoming BOTR tournament, he simply answered, "Yes."