Arizona Western Softball punches ticket to NJCAA World Series with 7–4 win over Southern Nevada

THATCHER, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - For the first time since 2019, the Arizona Western College Matadors are headed back to the NJCAA Division I Softball World Series.

The Matadors secured their spot with a 7–4 win over the College of Southern Nevada on Saturday afternoon in the Region I and West District Final at Eastern Arizona College's Softball Field.

With the victory, Arizona Western claimed both regional and district titles and will now compete on the national stage, right here in Yuma.

Starting pitcher Krisilyn Corral was dominant in the circle, allowing just one earned run through 6.1 innings. She also made an impact at the plate, going 2-for-5 with a run scored.

Arizona Western got on the board early with a double steal in the first inning, as Corral crossed the plate to give the Matadors a 1–0 lead. Nadya Moreno followed with an RBI double in the third to make it 2–0.

A big fifth inning saw the Matadors extend their lead to 5–0, thanks to a two-run single by Jayleen Espinoza and an RBI knock from Alissa Pinon. Southern Nevada fought back with two runs of their own, but Arizona Western never relinquished control.

Larissa Rueda added another run in the sixth, and Lea Frechette's RBI single in the seventh capped off the scoring. Southern Nevada attempted a late rally, but Lili Vigil German came on in relief to record the final two outs and seal the victory.

After the game, first-year head coach Joel Prickett reflected on the team's achievement and what it means to return to the World Series with Yuma as the host city.

"It's kind of neat to get back to it when Yuma is hosting it," Prickett said. "Everything kind of lined up for us. So we're hoping to go make some noise at the national tournament."

The Matadors will learn their seed during the selection show on Tuesday, May 13. The 2025 NJCAA Division I Softball World Series begins Monday, May 19, at the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex in Yuma.