Steady influence: Senior Annika Ruiz leads Americas into UIL 6A softball regional semis

On a team full of standout softball players, Americas senior first baseman Annika Ruiz is a steadying influence on the team. 

She's handy with the glove at first base and at the plate, she's consistent with 38 runs scored, 23 runs batted in and a .413 batting average. 

"This year I feel like I've really improved on just taking the game as it comes and brushing the disappointments off," said Ruiz, a four-year letterwinner. "I feel like I've had a good season, but more importantly our team has done well."

The 30-5 Trailblazers are the only El Paso high school softball team remaining in the UIL playoffs and will play 31-2 South Grand Prairie in the Region 1-6A semifinals Thursday and Friday at Lubbock Christian University in a three-game series. The Trailblazers defeated Midland High to reach the round of 16. Last year, they lost in the regional quarterfinals. 

Americas is in the regional semifinals for the first time since 2012. 

"I used to come to the games in 2012 with my dad and watch players like Jade Rodriguez who were very important to that team," Ruiz said. "That team gave me inspiration and I always wanted to represent whatever school I went to in a positive way."

Americas coach Roxanne Luna said Ruiz has played an important part in Americas' success. 

"Annika has come a long way and she's been a great player for us in every way," Luna said. "She has a great attitude and she's going to be a great player after she leaves us."

Next season Ruiz will take her talents to Division II New Mexico Highlands in Las Vegas, N.M. It's the same school where her father, Jose, played college football. 

"We visited the school and the memories came back for my dad, places where he lived and ate," Ruiz said. "It's amazing how it worked out and I'm going to the same college he did. He's been a great supporter of mine and always there to help me."

Americas faces a South Grand Prairie Team, which is led by pitcher Cassidy Fixico and her 23 wins and a 1.70 ERA.

"We have a great bond and we've had some great wins," said Ruiz, who has helped the Trailblazers defeat Abilene High, Keller and Midland High in the playoffs. "We want to create history here at Americas and get to that next round. We have the ability to do it, we just have to keep doing the things we have been." 

More: Americas softball team defeats Midland High in Class 6A regional quarterfinals

Felix F. Chavez may be reached at 915-546-6167; fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter.

Class 6A softball playoffs

Regional Semifinals 

Americas vs. South Grand Prairie 

When: Thursday and Friday 

Where: Lubbock Christian University 

Game times: Game 1, 8 p.m. CST Thursday; Game 2, 6 p.m. CST Friday; Game 3 if necessary, 30 minutes after Game 2