college
Martin’s Dramatic RBI Double Clinches Consecutive Regional Championship for Aztec Softball
The Pima Community College softball team achieved a remarkable milestone with their first 50-win season since 2013, clinching their second consecutive regional division championship on Saturday. The Aztecs, seeded second in the tournament, triumphed over the third-seeded South Mountain Community College Cougars, winning 3-2 in a thrilling eight-inning match.
This victory makes the Aztecs the first team to win both the Region I, Division I championship and the Region I, Division II championship in consecutive years, cementing their place in history.
In the decisive eighth inning, freshman Belen Camacho (Pueblo HS) reached base on a fielder’s choice, followed by Clarissa Figueroa (Mountain View HS), who was walked. With one out, sophomore Talia Martin (Mountain View HS) connected on a 1-1 pitch, driving the ball to right center field for a game-winning double that brought Camacho home.
“I wasn’t hitting all game,” Martin commented. “I just waited for my pitch and focused on winning.”
Prior to the winning run, freshman Arianna Flores (Salpointe Catholic HS) performed admirably, striking out three batters in the top of the eighth to set the stage for the Aztecs’ comeback.
The game started with the Cougars taking an early lead in the first inning, maintaining a 1-0 advantage until the sixth when the Aztecs answered back. Freshman Jiselle Nunez (Tucson Magnet HS) kicked off the sixth with a walk, followed by a single from sophomore Alyssa Noriega (Pueblo HS). With strategic base running, pinch runners Taiya Teixeira (Salpointe Catholic HS) and Nevaeh Bracamonte moved into scoring position. Sophomore Jessica Thompson (Tanque Verde HS) made a significant impact, driving in both runners with a shot to left field, giving the Aztecs a 2-1 lead.
“It was nerve-wracking, but I focused on getting at least one run in,” Thompson said. “I chose to watch the first pitch and was ready for the second.”
In addition to Thompson’s two RBIs, Martin finished with one RBI, and Marx and Noriega recorded two hits each. Flores not only earned the win but was also named the Region I, Division II Most Valuable Player, pitching all eight innings while allowing two runs—only one earned—and striking out eight batters.
Reflecting on the tournament, Flores stated, “This season prepared me well. Trusting my defense and team was crucial. Once the ball leaves my hand, I have to rely on them.”
The Aztecs are set to compete in the NJCAA Division II World Series at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama, between May 19-24, with the selection show scheduled for May 13 at noon Tucson time.
