Noriega & Nunez Ignite Championship Hope with Stellar Home Runs in Pima Softball Rally

The Pima Community College softball team continues its impressive run, advancing to the Region I Championship Round in Division II after an 8-4 victory over Scottsdale Community College. This win marks a significant milestone for head coach Rebekah Quiroz, notching her 200th career victory at Pima.

Under Quiroz’s leadership, the Aztecs have achieved a remarkable 100-29 record since her 100th win on April 18, 2023. Quiroz expressed her gratitude. “I’m just so proud of the program and the girls. My Aztec family is very close, and there’s so much support at Pima College,” she noted.

In the match against Scottsdale, the Aztecs initially fell behind as the Artichokes scored two runs in the first inning. Freshman Jiselle Nunez quickly turned the tide with her 22nd home run of the season, sending the ball over the center field fence. “That home run was really big, and I’m really glad I stepped up in that moment,” Nunez said.

By the third inning, the Aztecs found their rhythm. Sophomore Talia Martin hit a double, and Nunez reached base after being hit by a pitch, setting up Alyssa Noriega’s powerful three-run homer that gave Pima a 4-3 lead. “I was a little anxious in my first at-bat but took the right pitch in my second,” Noriega explained.

In the fourth inning, Pima extended its lead. Back-to-back singles from freshmen Julissa Lopez and Amerika Lopez-Bedoy were followed by Cheyanne Ortiz’s RBI single. An error allowed pinch runner Sariah Ferrentino to score, bringing the score to 6-3. Martin added another run with an RBI single, and a passed ball allowed freshman Clarissa Figueroa to cross home plate.

Noriega concluded the day with three RBIs, and Nunez added another run. Martin contributed with two hits, while Lopez went 2 for 3. Freshman Arianna Flores recorded her 20th win of the season, completing the game with four runs allowed and 11 strikeouts.

The Aztecs will face No. 3 South Mountain Community College in the Championship Round on Saturday at 11 a.m. Pima needs just one win to secure the title, while the Cougars must win both games to claim victory.