The Pahrump Valley High School softball team wrapped up its regular season in dominant fashion on Wednesday, April 29, defeating The Meadows Mustangs at home with a complete performance on both sides of the ball. With the win, the Trojans head into the postseason in first place, carrying strong momentum into the playoffs.
Pahrump turned to Evalenne Armendariz in the circle, and the Trojan pitcher delivered from the opening inning. Despite a leadoff runner reaching on an error in the top of the first, Armendariz quickly settled in, recording a strikeout and inducing back-to-back groundouts. Behind her, Mariah Gray, Myah Krolczyk, and Jaelyn Rodriguez combined defensively to keep the Mustangs off the board early.
The Trojans wasted no time answering in the bottom half of the inning. Aspen Middaugh worked a walk to get things started, and after Riley Saldaña reached on a fielder’s choice, Jaycie Hayes delivered a hard-hit single that put runners in scoring position. Moments later, Armendariz helped her own cause in a big way, launching a three-run home run to center field to give Pahrump a 3-0 lead.
Armendariz continued to control the game in the second inning, striking out another Mustang hitter and allowing just a walk before a routine flyout to Riley Saldaña in center field ended the threat.
In the bottom of the second, the Trojans added to their lead through patience and timely hitting. After Sadie Freeman was hit by a pitch and Middaugh and Saldaña both drew walks to load the bases, Hayes came through again, this time with a two-run double to center field. Madison Rodriguez followed with an RBI single, extending the lead to 6-0 before the inning came to a close.
Defensively, the Trojans remained sharp in the third. Armendariz worked around another leadoff baserunner, forcing a flyout and a fielder’s choice before finishing the inning with a groundout, once again shutting down The Meadows.
The bottom of the third inning proved to be the difference-maker, as Pahrump broke the game wide open. Capitalizing on a series of defensive miscues by the Mustangs, the Trojans kept the pressure on. Jaelyn Rodriguez executed a bunt that led to a run scoring on an error, and Krolczyk followed with an RBI single. Middaugh added another run with a base hit, setting the stage for Saldaña, who delivered a bases-clearing double to center field.
The offensive surge continued as Hayes reached base again, Rodriguez was hit by a pitch, and Armendariz drew a walk to keep the inning alive. Gray capped the rally with a two-run single, pushing the Trojans’ total to 15 runs.
Through it all, Armendariz remained steady in the circle, limiting opportunities and allowing her defense to work behind her. The Trojans combined timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and solid defensive play to secure the shutout victory.
With the regular season now complete, Pahrump Valley enters the postseason in first place and will open playoff action on Thursday, May 7. The Trojans are set to face the Moapa Valley Pirates at 1 p.m. in Boulder City as they begin their pursuit of a postseason run.
