SOFTBALL: LHS grad Dominguez powers Lady Chaps into WJCAC play

By Oscar LeRoy
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - A humbled Gisselle Dominguez said she's just doing what she can to help the Midland College softball team succeed.

Tied at 9-all with Cisco College on Wednesday afternoon, the Lee High School grad and Lady Chaparral catcher put a sweet swing on a pitch and sent it over the left field fence to give MC the lead for good in a 15-9 victory.

That was Dominguez's third home run of the day and second in the game. She hit a solo homer in a 6-2 loss earlier in the day.

"It's just a matter of taking pitch by pitch and make sure I'm really watching it. And as soon I get the opportunity, just let it all out," Dominguez said.

Gisselle Dominguez

So far this season, that approach has worked well for Dominguez as she's hit a team second-best nine home runs to go with a .433 batting average and driven in 38 runs, which is also second on the team.

After a long wait, the Lady Chaparrals (19-6-1) are finally starting Western Junior College Athletic Conference play this weekend when they face Western Texas College (16-12, 2-2) in a home-and-home series. The series will begin with a doubleheader in Snyder beginning at 1 p.m. Friday before switching to Lady Chaps Field for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday.

The Lady Chaps are the last team to start conference play as they were open last week. Wednesday's doubleheader against Cisco was the first game action for MC in two weeks.

"We did have a long break but practice has been tough," Dominguez said. "We've been making sure about getting in all the work that we need to get done and making the most of it before getting into conference.

"I think we've been doing pretty well and working as a team. I think we've been gaining confidence and I think we're going to pull it all together and play as one. I think we've improved so much. It's crazy to see on the field how much we've improved. I like our chemistry, the way we play on the field with confidence and our bats are alive."

In addition to her power, Dominguez has improved in all facets of the game since her first year at MC in 2021. She is still listed as a freshman after the NJCAA granted student-athletes an extra year of eligibility because of the pandemic.

"She's definitely a leader on the team," MC coach Angel Castro said. "She always makes adjustments. If she misses the first time, she's always talking to kids in the dugout and making adjustments that second or third time at bat. She's doing really well. Whoever gets her next year is going to be really lucky."

Castro said Dominguez has also made strides as a catcher.

"She commands the infield really well, really coachable," Castro said. "She could take over any second if we had to step away from calling a game. She could definitely call a game."

Dominguez said her mindset is taking one play at a time.

"This year I feel pretty comfortable," she said. "There's always that next play and you just have to be ready for what comes."

Having a team-first mentality is also a priority for Dominguez. She said playing together will be a key to success in conference.

"I try to lead as much as a I can, but at the same time, we're all one out there and we need to play as one," she said.

Follow Oscar on Twitter: @OLeRoy_MRT