SAN ANTONIO — Things just can't be this coincidental.
Let's hope anyway.
For a 2014 Rattler Softball team who is wildly eager and determined to make the College World Series and hold up the National Championship trophy for the third time in program history, their trip might just be right around the corner.
On the brink of starting the South Central Super Regional against the No. 1 team in the nation, West Texas A&M, on Friday in St. Mary's Softball's first appearance since 2005, the 2014 Rattlers have some interesting, and incredible, similarities to the 1986 National Championship team worth noting.
Firstly, two memorable Softball Hall of Famers Leticia Morales-Bissaro and
Donna Fields were both on the 1986 National Championship team who now have both their daughters representing gold and blue on the highly motivated 2014 Rattler Softball team.
Senior
Maricela Bissaro (San Antonio) and sophomore
Hannah Fields (San Antonio) both hold long lineage to Rattler Softball and have hopes of sharing a national title experience with their mothers.
"Since I started at St. Mary's last year as a freshman and even before that," said
Hannah Fields, "I have told my mom (head coach
Donna Fields) that I am not finishing these last four years without making a trip to Virginia (site of the national tournament) again.
"I remember telling my mom in high school after competing for the 5A State Championship, 'Mom, we will win a National Championship again and this time I will be wearing a jersey for you.'"
While
Hannah Fields is a regular starter for the Rattlers, she will unfortunately have to cheer from the dugout throughout the Rattlers' postseason run as she suffered a season-ending knee injury early in the season.
Season-ending injuries are devastating to athletes, and
Hannah Fields' injury is something her mother can closely relate to as too suffered a season-ending knee injury as a player at a memorable time in Rattler Softball history — the year Coach Fields' 1986 team won the national title.
Fate? Let's hope so.
"The first day back to practice after hearing the news, the whole team was upset and sorry to hear the news," said
Hannah Fields just before leaving with the Rattlers to Canyon, Texas for the Super Regional. "However, they were all quick to mention that my mom won the National Championship the year she tore one of her ACL's."
Hannah Fields is in good hands throughout her rehab in Dr. DeLee, who happens to be the very doctor who treated Coach Fields for her injury 30 years ago.
As the devastation of
Hannah Fields' injury was both upsetting and a setback to the team, she unfortunately isn't the only Rattler this season who has been sidelined for the reminder of the season.
Three Rattlers have suffered season-ending injuries this season in what happens to be the same number of players sidelined in on the 1986 National Championship team.
"With her (Hannah) and Mari (Bissaro) both on the team and growing up around Letty, myself, and the '86 team," said Coach Fields, "they keep bringing up similarities."
Despite being riddled with injury, the Rattlers have remained a dominant team and have swept their postseason thus far, putting them on a six-game winning streak.
"This is truly a unique bunch," said Coach Fields of 2014 Rattlers. "They get along very well, have respect and believe in one another.
"The injuries have been disheartening. We began to put unnecessary pressure on ourselves, forgetting that we can only be as good as we are as a unit. Yes we lost some key players. It took us time to settle in, fill the holes and pick up the pieces and move on. I am proud of them and want their goals to be reached."
The Rattlers are two wins away from advancing to the national tournament in Salem, Va. and claiming the Rattlers' first regional title since 2005 after already advancing the furthest the team has gone in nearly 10 years.
The drive is strong and heartfelt in this season's Rattlers in a team that made wristbands stating "We'll show you how great we are" and building a fire as team to illustrate "being the spark."
Making the national tournament is a feat in itself worth celebrating but for
Hannah Fields, her mind has been set on the Championship game on May 26.
"Hannah said last year that I won't miss her birthday," said Coach Fields, "that we will be together in the Championship game."
What a birthday present it would be.
"I try to focus on the here and now," said Coach Fields, "but if what she says comes to be true I will be one lucky, appreciative and excited coach."
For
Hannah Fields, she isn't relying on the coincidence of her and her mother in her hopes of bringing home a national title.
"Whether we make it to Virginia or not it won't be because of the coincidence of our similar injuries," said
Hannah Fields. "Our team, day in and day out, has continually worked hard and kept a focus on a goal to go to Virginia. We will make it to the College World Series because our team's work ethic, determination and passion.
"Maricela shares the same dream and goal as I do. We have been wanting the opportunity to play together wearing gold and blue just as our moms did together. That opportunity is here now and we want to make the most of every pitch we have left together."
The 2014 Rattlers' fate and journey to Virginia to compete on the national stage starts Friday as they take on No. 1 West Texas A&M in a best-out-of-three series.
Game 1 starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday in Canyon, Texas. First pitch for Game 2 will be at 1 p.m. Saturday with the if necessary game taking place after.
Links to live video and stats as well as ticket information can be found on the
West Texas A&M Tournament Central Page or on RattlerAthletics.com.
