Softball team aiming for finish over .500 in PAC

With a winning season already assured following three more wins over the last week to run their record to 14-9, the Phoenix softball team will close conference play with a game tomorrow (Wednesday) on the road against Clearview. Their conference record currently stands at 6-6. In the first meeting this year, the Phoenix came away with a run-rule victory over the Clippers, 10-0.

In action last week the team struggled early. On a cool breezy day, conditions led to several errors in a loss to Columbia. Likewise Brooklyn took advantage of some sloppy plays in the field to sneak past the Phoenix 7-3 despite scoring no earned runs. The Phoenix righted their ship and got back on the winning track with solid victories late in the week over Open Door (11-3), Community Christian School (13-0) and Lutheran West (5-1).

Pitcher Fahlen Santiago chalked up all three wins on the week, running her mark to 10-5. In the Open Door victory, Santiago was backed up by solid offense - Alyssa Garcia (2), Nicole Isabel (2) and Kayla Jackson (3) all had multiple-hit games. Following that up with the run-rule win over CCS, the big bats again included Jackson, Garcia, Isabel and Santiago, all with multiple hits and contributing RBI. Amelia Reid closed the game for the Phoenix earning a save and whiffing 5 of the 7 batters she faced.

Returning to conference play, the Phoenix, behind Santiago's six strikeout, 2-hit pitching performance, won easily. Reid and Amari Foster provided key hits and RBI. Foster scored two of the five Phoenix runs.

The team enters the state sectional/district tournament this week with games against Black River and Hillsdale (today). This will be followed by the final regular season games on Wednesday at Clearview, and Thursday at home against Open Door at 4:30 p.m. The contest against Open Door is Senior/Parent Day, at which all seniors will be recognized for their accomplishments prior to the game.