Matadors Softball complete four-game sweep over Central Arizona
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Western College Matadors Softball team wrapped up a dominant weekend, completing a four-game sweep of the Central Arizona Vaqueras on Saturday at Charlie Dine Softball Field.
The Matadors secured a thrilling 6-5 comeback win in game one before cruising to an 8-1 victory in the series finale.
Game One: Late-Inning Heroics Seal the Win
Arizona Western (20-11, 6-6) found themselves trailing 2-0 heading into the sixth inning before cutting into the deficit with an RBI groundout from Autumn Arriola. However, Central Arizona (7-19, 1-11) responded with three runs in the seventh, forcing the Matadors into a do-or-die situation.
Rauni Gallegos, continuing her hot streak, went 2-for-4 with two RBIs as part of a dramatic bottom of the seventh. The Matadors sent nine batters to the plate, scoring five runs to walk off with the victory.
Larissa Rueda delivered the game-winning hit, her second walk-off of the series, sealing the comeback.
Nadya Moreno also contributed with a 2-for-3 performance, adding an RBI. Analy Trejo picked up the win in relief, allowing just one unearned run in her lone inning of work.
Game Two: Matadors Take Control Late
The Vaqueras once again struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the opening frame. But that would be the only run they’d manage, as the Matadors responded with eight unanswered runs over the final two innings.
Arizona Western exploded for five runs in the fifth, sending nine batters to the plate. They tacked on three more in the sixth to put the game out of reach.
Gallegos stayed locked in at the plate, collecting her third straight multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Jayleen Espinoza also had a strong performance, finishing 2-for-3 with two doubles.
Lili Vigil German was dominant in the circle, allowing just one unearned run over seven innings while striking out six to earn the complete-game win.
On the Road Next
The Matadors now turn their attention to a four-game road series against Yavapai College in Prescott.
The series begins with a doubleheader on Friday, March 28, at 1:00 p.m. from Bill Vallely Field.
