DOUGLAS, Ariz. - Arizona Western Softball split against Central Arizona College on Friday, falling 3-1 in the opener before rebounding with an 8-2 victory in the second game.

GAME ONE

Alana McDonnell led the Matadors in game one, collecting two of the team's five hits, including a double, while Corinna Talbot scored the only run for Arizona Western.

Arizona Western struck first in the top of the third inning when Talbot crossed the plate on a wild pitch, giving the Matadors a brief 1-0 lead. Central Arizona responded in the bottom half with a decisive three-run frame, highlighted by an RBI single from Kiana Garcilazo, a run on a passed ball and a groundout that brought in a third run. Despite putting runners aboard throughout the afternoon, the Matadors left eight on base and could not capitalize, ultimately falling 3-1.

GAME TWO

In game two, the Matadors' offense came alive, posting 11 hits and seven runs batted in while playing error-free defense. Arizona Western broke a scoreless tie with a three-run third inning and continued to build momentum, adding two more in the fifth, one in the sixth and two in the seventh. The pitching staff limited the Vaqueras to two runs on seven hits, helping the Matadors pull away for a convincing 8-2 win.

The win snapped a brief losing streak and improved Arizona Western's record to 20-11 overall and 4-6 in ACCAC play, showcasing the team's ability to bounce back during a key conference series.

McDonnell's two-hit effort set the tone in game one, while the rest of the lineup contributed throughout game two as the Matadors flashed their offensive depth. Talbot added a hit and scored in the opener, and the pitching staff combined for five strikeouts and just two earned runs allowed in the nightcap.

Up Next

Arizona Western continues its conference series at Central Arizona College with game three scheduled for Saturday at 9 a.m. and the series finale to follow at 11 a.m.