Antelope holds sendoff for baseball and softball teams heading to postseason

The Rams gathered students to give players a proper farewell before both sides head on the road for 1A state championship games

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Antelope Union High sending their athletes off in style on Friday afternoon.

The school bringing students out to cheer on baseball and softball, as each team is competing in 1A state championships over the weekend.

Players like Rams sophomore outfielder Trane Figueroa know it's all part of passion for the community.

“I mean it’s just Ram pride, it’s special, small time community, and we just do stuff for each other,” Figueroa said.

For basebal, it’s the first time the Rams have made the postseason since 2019, a moment head coach Rigo Marquez, doesn’t take lightly.

“Me personally when I was in high school we never made it to playoffs, now I’m glad that I’m part of this new chapter in their lives,” Marquez said.

The 16 seed Rams will come into the 1A bracket with a tough test, as they'll take on one seed Bagdad on Saturday.

"When the kids found out we were in the playoffs, they started texting me, 'we're actually in'," Marquez said.

For the Lady Rams, it’s their second straight playoff appearance, something junior pitcher Isela Marquez credits to team leadership.

“Showing up to practice everyday, and we have a good coach to help us through the season and we have a good coaching staff,” Marquez said.

Of course coach Adrian Ornelas, in his second year with the program, deflects praise back to his players

“They have been working incredibly hard on the field, over and over, drill after drill, I mean these girls are incredible,” Ornelas said.

Softball earned an 11 seed, as they head to Anthem Prep to take on the six seeded Eagles.

"It's a matter of just putting the bat on the ball, they've been doing it all season, we just need to make sure we do it (Friday)," Ornelas said.

After friday’s ceremony, each side feels a bit more motivated to pull off upsets.

“To know that the school’s sending us off, like behind our backs, and supporting us like I feel like that’s a good thing," Isela Marquez said.