The Pahrump Valley High School softball team saved its best response for when it mattered most.
After entering Saturday undefeated in the double-elimination Class 3A State Tournament, the Lady Trojans faced a setback in the opening championship game against the Lowry Buckaroos. But rather than letting the loss derail their title hopes, Pahrump Valley regrouped, settled in and came back with a dominant performance in the winner-take-all final, defeating Lowry 12-1 to claim the 2026 3A State Championship.
The Buckaroos struck early in the first championship matchup, taking advantage of timely hitting and a few Trojan miscues to build momentum.
Lowry scored twice in the first inning before the Lady Trojans quickly answered. Riley Saldaña tripled to spark the offense, and Jaycie Hayes and Evalenne Armendariz each helped drive in runs as Pahrump Valley tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the inning.
The Buckaroos pulled away with a big third inning, but the Lady Trojans continued battling throughout the game. Mariah Gray delivered a key two-run single in the third inning, while Aspen Middaugh added an RBI double in the fourth to keep Pahrump Valley within striking distance.
Defensively, the Trojans continued making plays behind pitcher Jaycie Hayes, including Madison Rodriguez throwing out a runner attempting to steal in the fourth inning.
Despite the effort, Lowry held on for a 9-5 victory, handing the Trojans their first loss of the tournament and forcing a final championship game later that afternoon.
If there were any nerves remaining after the first game, the Lady Trojans quickly shook them off and got down to business in the decisive final.
Pahrump Valley wasted no time taking control.
Riley Saldaña singled in the opening inning before Hayes lined an RBI double to center field to give the Trojans a 1-0 lead. Mariah Gray followed with an RBI single, and Madison Rodriguez later reached on an error that allowed another run to score as Pahrump Valley jumped ahead 3-0.
While the offense was rolling, Hayes was equally sharp in the circle. The Trojan ace retired the Buckaroos in order in the first inning and consistently kept Lowry off balance throughout the game.
The Lady Trojans continued to apply pressure in the third inning. Evalenne Armendariz singled before courtesy runner Dakota Glenn advanced into scoring position. Jaelyn Rodriguez then ripped an RBI double to center field to extend the lead to 4-0.
In the fourth inning, Saldaña delivered another huge moment with a triple to center field before Hayes followed with an RBI double. Armendariz added another RBI double later in the inning as the Trojans stretched the lead to 6-0.
Defensively, Pahrump Valley played one of its cleanest games of the postseason. Sadie Freeman made multiple strong plays in right field, Olivia Veloz came up with a key defensive stop in the infield, and Hayes continued to command the game from the circle.
The Trojans added two more runs in the sixth inning. Middaugh opened the frame with a triple before Saldaña drove her in with an RBI single. Later in the inning, Gray added another RBI single to push the lead to 8-0.
Pahrump Valley removed all doubt in the seventh inning with another explosive rally.
Freeman opened the inning with a single before Middaugh added a bunt single. Saldaña then blasted a two-run triple to left field, bringing home both runners. Hayes followed with an RBI single, and Gray later added another RBI hit as the Trojans stretched the advantage to 12-0.
Lowry managed one run in the bottom of the seventh, but the Lady Trojans calmly recorded the final outs to secure the state championship.
Hayes pitched all seven innings in the championship victory, allowing just two hits and one run while striking out three. The title game also capped an incredible season for the Trojan ace, who finished the year with 298 strikeouts, finishing at the top of 3A by more than 100 strikeouts.
Offensively, Saldaña had a massive championship performance, finishing with four hits, including two triples, while scoring four runs and driving in three. Hayes added three hits and three RBIs, while Gray collected three RBIs of her own. Jaelyn Rodriguez also finished with four hits in the championship game.
When the final out was recorded, the Lady Trojans celebrated the culmination of months of preparation, sacrifice and relentless work — officially earning the title of 2026 Class 3A State Champions.
“Our State run was a true example of hard work, determination, resiliency, grit and trust,” Head Coach Brian Hayes said. “We believe that our girls and our staff outworked any and everyone in the 3A and possibly the entire state.”
Hayes said the foundation for the championship run was built long before the season officially began.
“We were practicing in the fall — we had our practices late to give our multi-sport athletes a chance to get some work in — and we continued working into the winter and all the way to the regular season,” he said. “We grinded as a program — and it paid off at the end.”
He also credited the many people who supported the program throughout the season.
“A village of people including our coaching staff of 9, parents, family, teachers, bus drivers, athletic secretary and administrators all played a role and we appreciate them all,” Hayes said.
Hayes also credited assistant coach Rich Lauver for the impact he made on the program this season.
“And of course Coach Lauver. The experience, work ethic, energy, and motivation he brought to our program this year was a HUGE factor in our success.”
*Photos from game 2 were provided by Cassondra Lauver.
