Softball Game Preview: Coconino Panthers vs. Prescott Badgers

Coconino is 8-2 against Prescott since March of 2019 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Tuesday. Coconino will be playing in front of their home fans against Prescott at 4:00 p.m. Coconino is coming into the contest hot, having won their last five games.

Coconino barely beat Lee Williams the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. Coconino was the clear victor by a 12-1 margin over Lee Williams on Thursday. Considering the Panthers have won seven matches by more than six runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.

Kaitlyn Tso spent all five innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on two hits and racked up seven Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 12 consecutive appearances.

Emma Kennelly

Runs Batted In (Career)

03/20/25 @ Lee Williams	4
03/01/25 vs Boulder Creek	3
02/28/25 vs Ironwood	3
03/15/25 vs St. Bonaventure	2
03/13/25 vs Millennium	1

On the hitting side, Emma Kennelly was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and one triple. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Mia Pozar was another key player, scoring three runs while going 3-for-3.

Meanwhile, Prescott earned a 6-1 win over Browne on Friday.

Prescott also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Gracie Pereira gave up only one earned run on five hits and racked up ten Ks. That's the fewest hits Pereira has allowed since back in March of 2024.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Mariah Smolnikar, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with one triple and one run. Another player making a difference was Haley James, who went 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI.

Coconino's victory bumped their record up to 10-4. As for Prescott, the win got them back to even at 1-1.

Coconino took their victory against Prescott in their previous meeting back in March of 2024 by a conclusive 10-0. Will Coconino repeat their success, or does Prescott has a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.