Softball Recap: Cibola Wins Going Away Against Cleveland

Cougars

Margin (Wins)

03/19/25 vs Del Norte	16
03/04/25 @ Sandia	12
03/11/25 vs West Mesa	11
04/18/25 vs Cleveland	9
03/15/25 vs Organ Mountain	8

Cibola had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the nine-run drubbing they dealt Cleveland on Friday. The Cougars blew past the Storm 12-3. Considering the Cougars have won eight contests by more than five runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Gabrielle Moncada made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She tossed seven innings while giving up three earned runs off ten hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with four RBI and one triple. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in May of 2024.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Presley Peek-Ruscetti, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. Those three runs gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Angelica Medina, who went 2-for-3 with three runs and one double.

Cibola kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in three consecutive matchups.

Cibola has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six games. That's provided a nice bump to their 18-4 record this season. As for Cleveland, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 9-13.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Cibola will venture away from home to challenge Piedra Vista at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Panthers will roll in looking for their fifth straight victory, something the Cougars surely won't give up without a fight. As for Cleveland, they are taking a road trip to square off against Farmington at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Storm's pitchers better be ready for this one: the Scorpions have averaged an impressive 8.1 runs per game this season.