Pima Softball Dominates South Mountain in Regional Tournament Opener

The Pima Community College softball team (48-7) commenced its journey in the Region I, Division II Tournament on Thursday at Phoenix College.

Competing as the No. 2 seed, the Aztecs secured a commanding 6-0 victory over No. 3 South Mountain Community College, advancing in the winner’s bracket.

In the first inning, sophomore Talia Martin (Mountain View HS) hit a lead-off triple, later scoring on a hit from sophomore Aubrey Marx (Cienega HS). Freshman Jiselle Nunez (Tucson Magnet HS) extended the lead in the third with a two-run home run, bringing Marx across for a 3-0 advantage.

The fourth inning saw the Aztecs load the bases with one out. Sophomore Cheyanne Ortiz (Tucson Magnet HS) connected for a single, while freshman Amerika Lopez-Bedoy (Sunnyside HS) earned a hit-by-pitch and freshman Clarissa Figueroa (Mountain View HS) walked. Martin’s double scored pinch runners Sariah Ferrentino (Sabino HS) and Nevaeh Bracamonte, followed by Marx’s RBI single, plating Figueroa.

Martin, Marx, and Nunez combined for an impressive 6 for 9 at-bat, recording six RBIs and three runs. Martin went 2 for 4 with two RBIs, Marx hit 3 for 3, and Nunez finished at 1 for 2.

“It was essential to energize the team for our first regional game,” Martin stated. “Aubrey’s scoring set the tone.”

Marx highlighted the significance of Nunez’s home run, marking her 21st of the season. “That was a pivotal moment. She definitely needed that after a few games of walks,” Marx said.

Sophomore Natalya Rivera (Sunnyside HS) and Ortiz each went 1 for 3, with Figueroa also contributing a run and a walk.

Freshman Arianna Flores (Salpointe Catholic HS) delivered a complete-game shutout, allowing just three hits while striking out ten batters. “After struggling with nerves early, I found my rhythm and felt strong,” Flores noted. “Starting with a win sets a positive tone for the tournament.”

The Aztecs are set to face No. 4 Scottsdale Community College on Friday at 11:30 a.m. The victor will advance to the championship round, following Scottsdale’s upset over No. 1 Phoenix College.