College Softball: Navarrete Continues To Lead Oc In Batting

Apr. 22—Every time she steps up to the plate in a home game, the crowd grows louder.

That's probably because Odessa College freshman Shelby Navarrete hails right from Odessa and has her own cheering section made up of her family and friends at each game at Wrangler Softball Complex.

The former Odessa High softball player has since become a standout for the Lady Wranglers this season, leading the team in batting average at .522.

She's been one of the many key ingredients for the No. 8-ranked Lady Wranglers who are currently 35-4 overall, 16-0 in Western Junior College Athletic Conference play.

Most importantly for her though, is that she's been enjoying her time at Odessa College with her teammates which she says has been a big part of her success this season.

"Honestly, just having fun and going day in, day out, getting work with my teammates and that's pretty much it," Navarrete said.

Navarrete graduated from OHS two years ago.

Last year, she was a little bit further from home than she is now as Navarrete played at the four-year level at East Texas Baptist in Marshall.

After transferring to Odessa College, she's felt more at home.

"Eight hours away, and it was definitely a struggle being away from home," Navarrete said. "... but (Odessa College) just felt so much closer to home and different environment. And just being closer to home is definitely a big factor for me and just having my family here."

So far this season, Navarrete has 59 RBIs to lead the team.

"I love hitting," Navarrete said. "I've always have loved hitting ever since I was a little kid and my teammates push me to be better every day. My coach pushes me to be better, and I enjoy competing out here every day, and it's just awesome."

She talked about what goes through her mind every time she steps up to the plate.

"Just, different things," Navarrete said. "I mean, of course, you know, it goes back to just the simple things, having fun, you know, trying to keep a clear mind just to not over think anything, I like to have a good approach when I go up to bat and just see the pitcher, what is she throwing, what happened to my teammates previous at bats and try to learn from that as well as just adjusting as much as I can."

Still, with eight games left in the regular season, Navarrete says there's also something she can improve on.

"With softball, there's always places to improve, of course," Navarrete said. "You know, nobody's ever perfect and, you know, there's always things to improve on. Of course, I feel like I'm doing pretty consistent but I like to be more consistent at the plate and just help my team more and more as much as I can, whether that's defense or cheering them on or whatever the case is."

Odessa College head coach Doug Eastman has been impressed with Navarrete's showing this season.

"Funny story but I just really didn't know what to expect from her," Eastman said. "You know, she came from a Division III school that was very good but she didn't get a lot of playing time there. So I didn't know what she was going to offer to the ball club, but, wow, was I surprised. Not only with her power but she's a very solid defensive player, a great team player and has a great personality."

The Lady Wranglers are coming off a crucial series sweep against Midland College in which Odessa College won by scores of 6-4, 7-6, 8-3 and 11-3 to remain in sole possession of first place in the WJCAC standings.

Odessa College will next face Howard College (13-24, 8-8) starting with a doubleheader at 1 p.m. Friday at the Wrangler Softball Complex before continuing with games three and four Saturday starting at 1 p.m. in Big Spring.