PRESCOTT, Ariz. – No. 4 seed Park Gilbert secured an 8-5 victory over No. 1 seed Hope International in the first round of the GSAC Softball Tournament at Eagle Softball Field on Tuesday. 

Park Gilbert wasted no time getting on the board, scoring twice in the first inning after an error by Hope International allowed two runs to cross the plate. They extended their lead in the third inning when Alejandra Castro doubled to left field, driving in the third run of the game. Moments later, Lina. Sanchez added a sacrifice fly, bringing Castro home to make it 4-0.

Hope International responded in the bottom of the third with a three-run rally. Vivian Little’s fielder’s choice brought home their first run, followed by an RBI single from Emma McCraw. Asia Chacon capped the inning with a fielder’s choice RBI, cutting the deficit to 4-3. 

Park Gilbert regained control in the fifth inning when Mady Lackey launched a three-run home run to left-center. In the sixth, Noelle Gumm stole home to extend the lead to 8-3.

Hope International attempted a late comeback in the seventh inning, as Samantha Villanueva doubled to left field, driving in two runs. However, Park Gilbert’s bullpen held firm, securing the win.

Park Gilbert’s Samara Romero earned the win, pitching six innings while allowing five runs on 11 hits and striking out four. Elisa Garcia closed the game with a scoreless seventh inning to secure the save. Hope International’s Kaitlyn Maaske took the loss, surrendering four runs (two earned) in 2.1 innings.

Park Gilbert advances to the winner’s bracket semifinal on Wednesday at 3 p.m. against Embry-Riddle. Hope International moves to the tournament’s first elimination game against Arizona Christian.