by 
Superior Sun
The Panthers’ softball team has won its first three games of the season without a loss. They defeated Hayden last week for their third win in-a-row, 12 – 5.
Phalicitee Thomas hit 2 triples to lead the Panthers’ offensive attack. Cierra Navarrette had 2 of the team’s 14 hits, including a triple of her own. In addition to Thomas and Navarrette, Hunter Flanagan, Elizabeth Ochoa, and Ariel Alonzo each recorded a multi-hit game. Alonzo had 4 RBIs while Ochoa drove in 3 runs.
Sophomore Ivie Lopez took the mound and pitched a complete game to earn the win. She allowed 6 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, and 5 K in 7 IP.
The Panthers will look to extend their winning streak with a game at Salt River on March 11 (results not available at press time) and a home contest versus Duncan on March 13. The games start at 4 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., respectively.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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