AWC prepares for rematch at home against Cochise

The Matadors welcome in the Apaches to Walt Kammann field for a top 15 showdown

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The No. 15 ranked Arizona Western Matadors will face one of its toughest conference tests of the season this weekend when it hosts the No. 14 ranked Cochise College Apaches in a key Arizona Community College Athletic Conference series.

The Matadors enter the matchup on a five-game winning streak and will welcome a red-hot Cochise squad to Walt Kammann Field on Friday and Saturday. Cochise comes into the series with a 32-7 record and has won three straight games.

With both teams near the top of the ACCAC standings, the series could have major implications as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Arizona Western head coach Jon Wente said Cochise presents a challenge across the board and believes the series will resemble the intensity of postseason baseball.

“I think they’re one of the better teams in junior college baseball,” Wente said. “They’ve got one of the best lineups in our league from top to bottom. One through nine, they can hurt you in a lot of ways. Their starting pitching is really good and they have some quality relievers, too. We definitely have our work cut out for us.”

Wente also praised the Apaches’ program stability and preparation.

“It’s an opportunity to prepare if we were to make the playoffs because this is like playoff baseball,” Wente said. “They’re a complete team and well coached. Their coach has been there for a long time and has done a great job. He’s got a lot of wins and does things the right way. He’ll have his team ready to go, so hopefully we can match that and be prepared.”

Arizona Western has been dominant at home this season, compiling a 16-3 record at Walt Kammann Field. The Matadors will look to keep that momentum going against the conference powerhouse.

First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday in Yuma.