Game 1: Gateway Hammers Past Paradise Valley in Softball Showdown
Gateway softball put on an offensive clinic on Saturday, defeating Paradise Valley 6-2 in a dominant performance. Strong pitching by Kelly Katalbas and a three-hit performance by Jessica Wallace led Gateway to victory. Gateway's offense wasted no time getting on the board. In the top of the first inning, they plated four runs to take an early lead. Jessica Wallace was the catalyst, driving in two runs with a double. Alexandra Martinez and Amelia Gomez also chipped in with RBI hits, putting Gateway firmly in control. Wallace continued her hot hitting throughout the game, finishing 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs and a double. Ariana Lloyd, Madison Brandon, and Leticia Herrera all contributed with a hit and a run each. Rebekka Nance and Gabby Cicchillo both hit a double and Nance scored one run off of her double, showcasing Gateway's offensive depth.
Kelly Katalbas was in the circle for Gateway, earning the win. She pitched a complete game, allowing only two runs on nine hits while striking out five batters. Katalbas effectively controlled Paradise Valley's offense, keeping them off balance throughout the contest. While Paradise Valley struggled offensively scoring just one run in the second and fifth innings which wasn't enough to overcome Gateway's early offensive outburst.
Game 2: Gateway Edges Paradise in Offensive Showcase
Gateway softball outlasted Paradise Valley by a final score of 6-4 on Saturday afternoon. The game was a display of offensive power, with both teams racking up double-digit hits. GWCC's offense was paced by the red-hot bat of Jessica Wallace, who went 2-for-3 with a home run and a game-high 3 RBI. Ariana Lloyd (1 RBI), Antarez Sierra (1 RBI), Rebekka Nance (1 RBI), and Alexandra Martinez (1 RBI) all chipped in with key hits to propel the Geckos across the finish line. Also contributing was Leticia Herrera who went 2-for-2 in the game with 2 doubles and 2 runs. The team displayed impressive balance, collecting ten hits from seven different batters.
Aryka Ortega earned the win for GateWay, pitching a complete game. Despite allowing 13 hits, she displayed poise and control, limiting the damage to just four runs. Ortega struck out one batter and walked two. PVCC put up a valiant effort, but ultimately fell short. The team was unable to string together enough hits to overcome GWCC's offensive outburst.
