Gila Ridge softball takes down Cibola in a playoff bubble showdown

Gila Ridge softball bests Cibola, as both squads currently sit on the playoff fringes.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Kara Espino had two hits and scored two runs to lead the Gila Ridge Hawks to a 7-5 victory on Tuesday.

Both teams now move to 6-4 on the season. Gila Ridge came in to the matchup ranked No. 25 in the 6A rankings, one spot outside the play-in spots. Cibola entered just inside at No. 22.

Gila Ridge jumped out to a 6-0 lead after two innings. Cibola would crawl their way back and cut it to a 6-5 ball game going into the sixth inning. Gila Ridge would score in the bottom of the sixth to create the two run buffer and the Hawks closed out the game in the seventh.

For Gila Ridge, Violet Silva pitched four innings, giving up two earned runs with six strikeouts. Silva also had a double at the plate.

Espino had the two hits and scored the two runs.

For Cibola, Alessandra Martinez tossed five innings giving up one run with one strikeout.

On Thursday, Gila Ridge will take on another local rival Yuma. Cibola will play at Maryvale.