In a pivotal moment of the 2025 baseball season, the El Paso Community College (EPCC) Tejanos encountered their first major hurdle, losing all four home games against the formidable Midland College team. Despite being ranked No. 21 nationally, the Tejanos faced stiff competition from Midland College, ranked No. 11. The series showcased intense battles, with EPCC demonstrating resilience and talent but ultimately falling short in crucial moments.

A Tough Series for EPCC's Tejanos

During a golden autumn weekend, the EPCC Tejanos engaged in an exhilarating series against Midland College at their home field. On Sunday, the Tejanos narrowly lost two matches by scores of 7-6 and 11-7. Monday's games were even more dramatic, with the Tejanos losing 8-6 after eight innings and 4-3. In both Monday games, EPCC had opportunities to triumph. Notably, they tied the first game at five, forcing extra innings, but Midland scored decisively in the eighth inning. In the second game, a potential tying run was thwarted at home plate in the sixth inning.

Despite these setbacks, standout performances emerged. Orlando Samaniego, a Riverside High School alumnus, drove in two runs and scored one across two games. Adrian Quintana, a graduate of Americas High School, delivered a commendable pitching performance, striking out six batters over five innings. Daniel Ciprian contributed with a home run and double, while Alan Nava hit two home runs on Sunday.

Currently, the Tejanos hold a record of 22-6 overall and 4-4 within the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC), contrasting with Midland College's 22-4 overall and 6-2 in the WJCAC. Coach Julien Soucy acknowledged the team's strengths, emphasizing the need for improvement as they prepare for upcoming challenges.

Next, the Tejanos will face Amarillo College in doubleheaders on March 21-22, while Midland College hosts New Mexico Military Institute for four games during the same period.

From the players' perspective, Adrian Quintana expressed confidence in the team's cohesion and progress, highlighting the importance of continued effort. Similarly, Orlando Samaniego noted the team's ability to compete against strong opponents, underscoring their determination to rebound.

Reflections on the Series Outcome

This series underscores the competitive nature of collegiate baseball and the importance of maintaining focus under pressure. While the Tejanos faced defeat, their perseverance and individual brilliance provide hope for future successes. The games revealed areas requiring refinement, yet also demonstrated the team's potential. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to observe how the Tejanos implement lessons learned from this challenging series to enhance their performance in subsequent matches.