The Phoenix Christian Cougars will face off against the Pima Roughriders at 3:45 p.m. on Monday. Phoenix Christian is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 11.5 runs per game this season.
St. Johns hit Phoenix Christian with a six-run third inning on Saturday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Cougars took a 9-4 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Redskins.
Karly Van Metre spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and eight unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up six Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 12 consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Kyla Carpio was cooking despite her team's loss, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.
Meanwhile, Pima didn't have quite enough to beat Morenci on Thursday and fell 6-5.
Bivianna Vega and Liliana Apodaca did some serious damage despite the final result: Vega went 2-for-4 with two runs, one double, and one RBI, while Apodaca went 3-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
Phoenix Christian's loss ended a seven-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 18-8. As for Pima, their defeat dropped their record down to 14-9.
Monday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Phoenix Christian hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .354. However, it's not like Pima struggles in that department as they've averaged .419. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Phoenix Christian got the 'W' in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 against Pima by a conclusive 22-1 score. Do the Cougars have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Roughriders turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
