The Lady Wildcats wrapped up their impressive regular season last Tuesday with a 24-0 romp over their nemesis Mogollon High School. Joseph City wasted little time taking the lead with four runs in the first inning. They blew the game open with an 11-run second inning. Three additional runs came in the fourth and six final runs were in the fifth of the lopsided win.
Joseph City finished the game with 10 extra-base hits including five home runs. Kayle James hit two of those homers, going 5 for 5 at the plate. April Neill was 1 for 4 with a home run. Kate Edwards went 3 for 5 with a home run and a double. Kassidy Juarez went 3 for 4 with a home run and a double. Kadence Armstrong was 2 for 5 with a pair of doubles. Maddy Powers went 4 for 5 with a double. Staisha Murdock went 4 for 4. Ava Neill was 1 for 2. Gabby Jesmer was 1 for 4.
James pitched four innings in the circle giving up just seven hits with two walks and six strikeouts.
Joseph City finished the regular season with a 27-3 overall record. They were seeded third in the 1A State tournament and took care of No. 14 Red Mesa 14-0 in Friday’s first playoff game.
The Lady Cats took care of business quickly with five first inning runs followed by eight more in the second. One final run came in the third of the mercy rule win.
Jesmer went 2 for 2 with a triple and a double. Juarez was 2 for 3 with a home run. Murdock went 3 for 3 with a home run. James was 2 for 4 with a triple. April Neill went 2 for 3 with a double. Armstrong was 2 for 3. Brooklyn Petersen went 1 for 2. Powers was 1 for 3. Edwards went 1 for 2.
James and Neill combined for a no-hitter with a total of two walks and eight strikeouts.
With the win Joseph City advanced to the quarterfinal round where they will host sixth-seeded San Manuel at 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon. The Miners finished with a 12-3 regular season.
If Joseph City prevails, they will advance to the semifinal round on May 11 where they will face either No. 2 Bagdad or No. 10 Superior at Quail Run Park in Phoenix.
