Rivera’s Six Hits Propel Pima Softball to Season-Opening Wins with Camacho’s Dual Triumph

The Pima Community College softball team (2-0) kicked off its 2025 season on Friday during the College of Southern Nevada Kickoff Classic. The team displayed impressive offensive skills in two hard-fought games.

Sophomore Natalya Rivera (Sunnyside HS) excelled at the plate, going 6 for 7 with four RBIs and four runs scored. Freshman Amerika Lopez-Bedoy (Sunnyside HS) also made a significant impact, finishing the day 4 for 7 with five RBIs and two runs. Additionally, sophomore Alyssa Noriega (Pueblo HS) contributed with a 4 for 6 performance, adding an RBI and four runs to the scoreboard.

In the first matchup, the Aztecs triumphed over Utah State-Eastern Eagles with a final score of 9-7. After trailing 6-3 entering the fifth inning, the Aztecs launched a robust comeback, scoring six runs in that inning to seize control of the game. Freshman Julissa Lopez (Tucson Magnet HS) initiated the rally with a two-run double, scoring players Rivera and Camacho. The decisive hits continued as Cheyanne Ortiz (Tucson Magnet HS) drew a bases-loaded walk, giving the Aztecs the lead for good.

Camacho earned the win in relief, pitching five innings and allowing four runs on four hits, alongside seven strikeouts. Lopez finished that game 3 for 4, while Rivera also went 3 for 4, helping to secure the victory.

Game two saw the Aztecs facing the nationally ranked College of Southern Idaho Golden Eagles. After an explosive first inning resulted in four runs, Pima maintained the lead until the fourth, when the Golden Eagles erupted for eight runs. However, the Aztecs answered back in the fifth, reclaiming the lead with a two-run homer from Rivera, who went 3 for 3 in the game.

Lopez-Bedoy’s continued offensive prowess was evident as she went 3 for 4, driving in four runs, while freshman Jiselle Nunez (Tucson Magnet HS) and others each made contributions to the scoreline. Bracamonte secured the win on the mound, and Camacho added a save.

With the day’s successes, the Aztecs are set to take the field for two more games on Saturday against Snow College at 10:30 a.m. and Arizona Western College at 3:30 p.m.