Get on board with Extra Inning Softball’s regular feature, The Last Inning!
We are scouring the Internet and Social Media and keeping our ears to the street for the latest going on in the softball community.
To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at info@extrainningsoftball.com and also los.extrainningsoftball@gmail.com.
Here’s our TLI for Thursday, Mar. 3:
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EXTRA ELITE PROFILE: ELLA LOZANO
2025 RHP Ella Lozano has established herself as the go-to pitcher for Texas Riptide 07 and, though only a freshman, is also considered one of the top pitchers for Clear Lake High in Texas.
She recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about her softball journey….
EXTRA SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Ella Lozano
Hometown: Houston, TX
High School: Clear Lake (Texas) High
Club Team: Texas Riptide 07 14U
Grad Year: 2025
Twitter: @EllaLozano_10
Height: 5-foot-4
Position: RHP
Nickname: “Stone” (at high school) and “Headquarters” (for Riptide)
Honors: 4.0 GPA and nominated for recognition for kindness and work ethic by teachers.
High School Highlights: Hit 3 home runs, including a grand slam, in fall ball.
Tell us about the Riptide and how you became involved with them?
I first joined Riptide in March of 2020. I picked up with them at Scrap Yard and immediately loved their energy. They were extremely welcoming and friendly. I came in around the 3rd or 4th inning of the championship against a team of older girls. Of course, I was nervous, I was pitching for Riptide! Everyone knew who they were even in 12U and I was no exception. I had 8 K’s that game, my highest number, yet. Ever since then it’s been nothing but great ball. When I’m pitching, I know my defense is there to back me up. I am always working for my team by just hitting my spots and producing Ks.
What’s it like pitching in higher age groups? How have you done?
Even when I’m not at my best, I’m confident in our offense and our ability to produce runs. Facing older groups in high school and select, has introduced me to different batters and forced me to get out of my comfort zone. My best friend right now facing these older, better batters, is the rise ball.
I used to not have a lot of faith in my rise and questioned if it would throw off batters like I wanted it to, but now I am confident when throwing it and it has proved effective against these older girls. Facing older pitchers has also made me a better batter as well. Facing older girls with more movement, speed, and accuracy, I have learned to adjust my timing and be selective at the plate.
What should we expect from your high school team this spring?
I am very excited for my high school team this spring season! During Fall ball and the recent College Station Tournament, we have kept up with very competitive teams and are up for the challenge. Our offense is filled with power hitters, who can get the job done.
What’s your most memorable softball story? I have to go back to the Hot Corner event series championship at the Ragin’ Cajuns softball field. I remember that last pitch of the game like it was last night. I threw a curve that was popped up by the batter to Addi Smith, our shortstop, and I remember turning around watching it come down and everything going still. But when the ball hit her glove, I felt a relief. Not because I didn’t have faith she was going to catch it, but relief for my team and me.
We came so far and earned each moment. I remember the proud look on my coaches’ faces, the “We Are The Champions” song by Queen playing over the loudspeaker, looking up to the Riptide parents swaying to it, and the look of pure joy on my parents’ face. I remember going to bed that night and thinking, did that just happen? I just couldn’t believe how far we had come to win it all in a matter of two hours and I still watch the video of the final pitch to this day.
Do you have a secret talent/skill?
A secret skill I have is writing. I love to read creative writing and love to write stories even more.
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NEWS & NOTES
*** TLI loves nicknames and different/unique names. One of the big things is proper pronunciation.
Sophia Lupiccolo, a 2023 P/UT for Stars National 18U-Garrett, is a junior at Jackson Memorial High in New Jersey.
The right-hander pronounces her name “Low-pick-o-low.”
pitching progress over the winter! @18USNGarrett @starsnationalfp @Los_Stuff @thealliancefp @StriveSoftball @IHartFastpitch @NEFLFastpitch @JMHSJagSoftball pic.twitter.com/ZOuHkBjBoW
— sophia lopiccolo 2023 (@sophialopiccolo) March 1, 2022
*** Scroll down to read about another cool player name, a great debut for a freshman pitcher and a half dozenb more softball verbals!
