Softball Recap: Paulding Has No Trouble Against Riverdale

Paulding came out on top against Riverdale on Saturday thanks in part to the team's impressive ten-run first inning. The Panthers put the hurt on the Falcons with a sharp 20-3 victory. That 17-run margin sets a new team best for the Panthers this season.

Tia Mendez

Runs (Career)

04/11/26 @ Riverdale	4
04/11/26 @ Wayne Trace	2
04/06/26 @ Miller City	2
05/12/25 vs Lincolnview	2
04/17/25 vs Hicksville	2

Gracie Leal and Tia Mendez made a splash no matter where they played. Throwing, Leal tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Mendez pitched two innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in six consecutive appearances. At the plate, Leal went 1-for-5 with two runs, one double, and one RBI, while Mendez went 2-for-4 with four runs and one triple. Those four runs gave Mendez a new career-high.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Madison Clark, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with six RBI, four runs, and two doubles. The team also got some help courtesy of Cadence Schwab, who went 3-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one triple.

Paulding hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Riverdale struck out six times.

The win made it two in a row for Paulding and bumps their season record up to 5-2. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 15.5 runs over those games. As for Riverdale, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-5 record this season.

Paulding wasted no time getting back out on the field and has already played their next game, a 7-0 win against Tinora on the 14th. As for Riverdale, they have also already played their next contest, an 11-10 loss against Arlington on the 14th.