Softball Game Preview: Prescott Badgers vs. Coconino Panthers

Prescott is 2-8 against Coconino since March of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Tuesday. Prescott will square off against Coconino at 4:00 p.m. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Prescott saw some tournament action on Friday. They came out on top against Browne by a score of 6-1.

Gracie Pereira spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on five hits and racked up ten Ks. That's the fewest hits she has allowed since back in March of 2024.

On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Mariah Smolnikar, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with one triple and one run. Haley James was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI.

Meanwhile, Coconino entered their tilt with Lee Williams on Thursday with four consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with five. They blew past the Volunteers 12-1. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven contests by seven runs or more this season.

Coconino also let their pitcher toss all five innings played and she was also dialed-in: Kaitlyn Tso gave up a run (which was unearned) on two hits and racked up seven Ks. Tso has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 12 consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Emma Kennelly was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and one triple. That's the most runs she has posted over her last 12 games. The team also got some help courtesy of Mia Pozar, who scored three runs while going 3-for-3.

The win got Prescott back to even at 1-1. As for Coconino, their record now sits at 10-4.

Prescott suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Coconino in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Can Prescott avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.