Lady Matadors stay alive in Alabama with historic World Series victory

Oxford, AL (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Western Lady Matadors are continuing their historic postseason run after defeating Volunteer State Community College 4-2 Wednesday morning in the NJCAA Division I Softball World Series elimination bracket in Oxford, Alabama.

The victory marks Arizona Western’s second straight win at the World Series something the program has not accomplished in more than two decades while also giving head coach Joel Prickett his 800th career win.

The Lady Matadors wasted no time getting on the board. Rauni Gallegos opened the game with a walk and later scored on an RBI single from Cibola High School product Alana McDonnell to give AWC an early 1-0 lead.

Arizona Western added more momentum in the second inning when Gabby Weisser and Corinna Talbot reached base ahead of Analy Trejo’s clutch two-out, two-run single that stretched the lead to 3-0.

Inside the circle, Jessica Smith delivered another complete-game performance for the Lady Matadors. Smith allowed just one earned run across seven innings while working out of multiple jams and stranding ten runners.

Volunteer State attempted a late comeback in the seventh inning, but Smith shut the door to secure the historic victory.

The Matadors added an important insurance run in the sixth inning after Aaliyah Soderlund doubled and later scored on an RBI double by Alissa Piñon.

Smith has now pitched every inning for Arizona Western during the World Series and improves to 2-1 during the tournament.

Arizona Western returns to action tonight in the next round of the elimination bracket as the Lady Matadors look to continue their impressive postseason run.