Matadors split rivalry doubleheader with Eastern Arizona
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Western College softball team walked away with a split in a pivotal ACCAC matchup Thursday, using a strong offensive surge in Game 1 before coming up just short in a tightly contested Game 2 against Eastern Arizona at Charlie Dine Softball Field.
The opener saw the Lady Matadors battle back after an early deficit, turning a slow start into a convincing 7-3 win. Eastern Arizona jumped ahead with runs in each of the first two innings, putting Arizona Western in an early 2-0 hole. But the Matadors quickly responded in the third, stringing together timely hits to even things up and shift the momentum.
That momentum carried into the fourth inning, where Arizona Western delivered its biggest punch of the day. Aaliyah Soderlund provided the spark with a home run, while Larissa Rueda came through in a big moment with a run-scoring double as part of a four-run inning that gave the Matadors full control. Arizona Western added another run in the fifth to create separation, while the pitching staff handled the rest.
Brooklyn Cann picked up the win in the circle, going 4.1 innings before Jessica Smith stepped in to close things out. Smith delivered in relief, striking out three batters over the final 2.2 innings and limiting Eastern Arizona’s chances to mount a comeback.
Game 2 presented a completely different challenge, turning into a low-scoring pitchers’ duel where every play carried extra weight. Eastern Arizona capitalized early, taking advantage of defensive miscues in the first inning to score two unearned runs—runs that ultimately made the difference.
Jessica Smith returned to the circle and delivered a strong complete-game performance, allowing just three hits and no earned runs while striking out four. Despite her effort, the Matadors struggled to generate consistent offense against Eastern Arizona’s pitching.
Arizona Western finally broke through in the sixth inning when Rauni Gallegos drove in Corinna Talbot to cut the deficit to one. The Matadors continued to push late, putting runners on base and threatening to tie the game, but couldn’t find the clutch hit needed to complete the comeback, falling 2-1.
Larissa Rueda remained a bright spot offensively in Game 2, reaching base three times with two hits and a walk. Gallegos and Talbot also contributed hits in the loss, accounting for Arizona Western’s limited offensive production.
The split keeps the Matadors in the mix in conference play, showing both their ability to produce offensively and their strength in the circle. However, Game 2 also highlighted how costly small mistakes can be in tight matchups, especially against a familiar rival.
Arizona Western will have a quick turnaround as the series continues, with another doubleheader set for Friday in Yuma. With the standings still up for grabs, the Matadors will look to build off their Game 1 performance and clean up the defensive miscues as they aim to take the series.
