YUMA, Ariz. -- The Arizona Western College softball team (4-2) delivered a resounding performance at home Friday, notching back-to-back run-rule victories with an11-1 win over El Paso Community College in six innings and an 8-0 shutout of North Idaho College in five innings during a non-conference doubleheader at Charlie Dine Field for First Responder and Veteran Appreciation Day. 

Léa Fréchette was unstoppable in both events, combining for a 7-for-7 day at the plate with a walk-off three run home run in game one against El Paso Community College to end the game by way of mercy rule in the home half of the sixth inning. Fréchette finished the first game 3 for 3 with a homerun, double, single and a walk. She scored three times and drove in three runs. I game two it was Fréchette again with the knockout blow, this time over North Idaho College. Fréchette delivered a two out RBI double to end the game 8-0 in the home half of the fifth inning. Lea finished game two 4 for 4 with a double, 2 RBI and a run scored. 

"Lea struggled a little in week one," Matador head softball coach Joel Prickett said. "She probably hit two-thousand balls this last week, I threw about a thousand of them. She's going to get on track, she's as good as they come when it comes to hitting."

Analy Trejo led the Matadors in the opener with an effective two-way outing, tossing a six-inning complete game with seven strikeouts and adding two runs batted in at the plate. Larissa Rueda powered the offense with a perfect day, crushing a two-run homerun in the second inning, she finished 2 for 2 with 2RBI and 3 runs scored. 

Arizona Western set the tone early against El Paso Community College, scoring three runs in the first inning highlighted by a clutch two out, 2 RBI single from Yuma local Alana McDonnell, capping off a three-run first inning.

GANME TWO

In the nightcap, Jessica Smith was nearly untouchable, tossing a one-hit shutout over five innings and striking out three to secure her second win. The offense continued its relentless pace, with Fréchette leading the way. 

The Matadors broke through in the second inning as Autumn Arriola singled home Nyomi Houston for a 1-0 lead. Steady scoring in the third, fourth and fifth innings, including RBI hits from Fréchette, Arriola and Analy Trejo, pushed the lead to eight and ended the contest early.

"We'll probably end up shuffling around some people on Saturday," Prickett said. "We need to get Avery Rodriguez in the lineup; she's a big hitter. Our sophomores are doing what sophomores are supposed to do and our freshmen are coming in and doing what they need to do. We may see some kids in some different spots on Saturday."

Up Next

The Matadors continue their homestand Saturday, facing El Paso Community College at 9:30 a.m. and North Idaho College at 2:30 p.m. at Charlie Dine Field. All games will be broadcast on the Matador Sports Stream with Scott Gross and Alyssa Rosales on the call. 

https://portal.stretchinternet.com/awcmatadors