Softball Recap: Paradise Valley Christian Prep Takes Down Gila Bend in a Playoff Battle

Paradise Valley Christian Prep had already proven themselves in the regular season and they didn't miss a beat now that it's playoff time. Everything went their way against the Gila Bend Gila Monsters on Friday as they made off with a 13-6 victory. The result was nothing new for the Panthers, who have now won ten matches by seven runs or more so far this season.

Noemi Piraino and Catarina Beams made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Piraino tossed six innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off nine hits. Meanwhile, Beams tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. At the plate, Piraino got on base in all five of her plate appearances with four stolen bases, three runs, and one triple, while Beams got on base in four of her five plate appearances with four stolen bases and three runs. Those four stolen bases gave Beams a new career-high.

In other batting news, Paradise Valley Christian Prep let Bria Vidinghoff and Evie Williams run wild. Vidinghoff got on base in two of her five plate appearances with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base, while Williams got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. That's the most RBI Vidinghoff has posted since back in March.

Paradise Valley Christian Prep always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .564. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .564 or higher in three consecutive contests.

Paradise Valley Christian Prep's win bumped their record up to 12-1. As for Gila Bend, they are on a four-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 5-7.

Looking ahead, Paradise Valley Christian Prep will challenge Sequoia Charter at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The Stallions will roll in looking for their eighth straight victory, something the Panthers surely won't give up without a fight. Gila Bend does not have any more games scheduled as of now.