We've got a battle between Panthers coming up. Coconino took a loss in their last matchup and will be looking to turn the tables on Paradise Honors, who comes in off a win.
Having struggled with four losses in a row dating back to last season, Paradise Honors turned things around against Ironwood on Friday. They walked away with a 7-4 win over the Eagles. The Panthers' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Olivia Jimenez Facio
| 02/28/25 vs Ironwood | 2 |
| 02/28/25 vs Liberty | 1 |
| 02/27/25 vs Horizon | 1 |
Olivia Jimenez Facio made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI. What's more, she posted two hits, the most she's had since back in March of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Anna Landa, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-2. Those runs were her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Pressley Fought, who scored two runs while going 2-for-4.
Meanwhile, Coconino has relied on a stalwart pitchers averaging 2.5 runs allowed per game, but that average took a hit on Friday. They fell just short of Sunrise Mountain by a score of 10-8. The loss was the Panthers' first of the season.
Katelynn Yazzie was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring a run while going 3-for-4. Cassidey Castillo was another key player, scoring three runs while going 3-for-4.
Even though they lost, Coconino kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 17 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 11 hits every time they've taken the field this season.
Paradise Honors' first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-3. As for Coconino, their defeat was their first of the season and makes their record 3-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Paradise Honors has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Coconino struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
