Rivera’s Stellar Cycle Sparks Aztec Softball Sweep Over Paradise Valley

The Pima Community College softball team continues to impress, achieving a remarkable milestone by surpassing 40 wins for the second consecutive season. On Saturday, the Aztecs swept Paradise Valley Community College at the West Campus Aztec Field, solidifying their record with a 41-5 overall and 29-5 in the ACCAC.

Ranked No. 9 nationally, the Aztecs celebrated their eighth straight victory. Sophomore Natalya Rivera showcased her talent by hitting for the cycle, finishing the day with four hits, three RBIs, and three runs scored. Another key player, fellow sophomore Nevaeh Bracamonte, contributed significantly, ending her performance with three hits and four runs.

In the circle, sophomores Jessica Thompson and Yanelyssia Chavez delivered an outstanding performance, combining for 12 innings and yielding just one earned run on five hits, while tallying 18 strikeouts against four walks.

In the first game, Pima CC defeated Paradise Valley CC 4-0. Thompson was a standout, pitching a two-hit shutout, striking out 12 batters, and maintaining her perfect record of 11-0. The Aztecs generated all their runs in the second inning, starting with a leadoff double from Alyssa Noriega. Rivera followed with an RBI double, then Cheyanne Ortiz added another double to drive in Rivera.

Clarissa Figueroa also made an impact with an RBI single, and Bracamonte’s fielder’s choice concluded the scoring for that inning. Rivera wrapped up the first game with a 2-for-3 performance, while Ortiz and Figueroa both contributed significantly as well.

The second game showcased a dominant offensive display from Pima, leading to a 14-1 win that concluded after five innings. The Aztecs started strong, putting together three runs in the first inning, highlighted by Rivera’s RBI triple and solid efforts from Thompson and Noriega.

In the second inning, Talia Martin hit a two-run home run, increasing the lead to 5-0. Sophomore Jiselle Nunez made headlines with a third-inning grand slam, bringing in three teammates. Rivera kept the momentum going with a lead-off home run in the fourth, while Martin further contributed with an RBI triple.

Nunez capped the game with a 3-for-4 performance, including four RBIs and two runs scored. Chavez earned the victory, pitching all five innings and giving up just one earned run.

The Aztecs are set to return to action, hosting South Mountain Community College for an ACCAC doubleheader at the West Campus Aztec Softball Field this Tuesday, with the first game commencing at noon.