The 2023-2024 softball season at Pahrump Valley High School was marked by resilience, determination, and remarkable progress under the guidance of head coach Veronica Montanez. From a challenging start to a commendable performance at state, the team’s journey was filled with memorable moments and significant achievements.
The season began with high anticipation as around 45 girls tried out for the team, out of which 13 were selected. “We started off a bit rocky at the tryouts because, you know, girls go from volleyball to basketball to softball,” Coach Montanez reflected. Despite the initial hurdles, the team quickly found its rhythm, thanks in part to the experience and dedication of year-round players like MVP Evalenne Armendariz and catcher Madison Rodriguez, who also played together on the Little Rebels club team.
The team’s efforts bore fruit as they embarked on an impressive seven-game winning streak in the middle of the season. “The girls hit the ball this past year; it was pretty awesome. Defense was on point,” Coach Montanez proudly shared. This winning streak was a testament to the team’s growing cohesion and skill, even as they faced more competitive opponents.
A highlight of the season was their unexpected victory over Boulder City in their first game. “We were not expected to beat them, but the girls dominated,” Coach Montanez said. Although they faced a setback against Slam in their initial encounter, they bounced back to secure a crucial win in the second game, propelling them into Regionals.
One of the season’s fun traditions was the annual “Pink Game,” dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer. The event brought the community together, with players, coaches, and fans donning pink attire to show their support. “The Pink Game is always special, and it is fun to see the fans supporting us,” she said.
During Regionals, the team showcased their prowess with a dominating first game and a thrilling win against Virgin Valley on their home turf. “It was a crazy game with no fences, just a 300-foot baseball field. Beating them was a great achievement,” Coach Montanez recalled. Despite a tough loss to Boulder City, the team’s resilience shone through as they rallied to win the subsequent game, securing their spot at the state tournament.
The state tournament presented its own set of challenges. The team faced the formidable Fallon Green Wave, the number one seed from the north. “We didn’t lose too bad to them; we were probably one of the only teams to score five runs against them,” Coach Montanez noted, expressing pride in their performance. Their next game against Boulder City saw them initially leading, but ultimately they succumbed to Boulder City’s powerful hitters.
Despite these setbacks, the team’s overall performance was commendable. They lost only four games in the regular season and two at state. “The girls did phenomenal at state,” Coach Montanez emphasized.
One of the standout moments of the season was Cat Sandoval’s signing with a Division II college, marking a significant milestone in her athletic career. Cat’s dedication and hard work paid off, earning her the opportunity to continue playing softball at the collegiate level. Coach Montanez expressed immense pride in Cat’s accomplishment, highlighting her relentless effort and commitment to the sport. “She’s worked pretty hard at every sport that she has played, and you know, hard work pays off,” Coach Montanez said. Cat’s success serves as an inspiration to her teammates and a testament to the program’s ability to develop talented athletes ready to excel beyond high school.
Looking ahead, Coach Montanez is optimistic about the future. “We have a very young team; we’re only going to have two or three seniors next year,” she pointed out. This youthful team, filled with potential and driven by their experiences this season, promises an exciting future for PVHS softball.
The 2023-2024 season was a journey of growth, learning, and remarkable achievements. Under Coach Montanez’s leadership, the team not only honed their skills but also built a strong foundation for future success. As the players and Coach Montanez look forward to the next season, they carry with them the lessons learned and the pride of their accomplishments. “Hard work pays off,” Coach Montanez affirmed, a sentiment that will undoubtedly drive the team to even greater heights in the coming years.
