Arizona Western Matadors Open Season, Split Doubleheader With Southern Idaho

Arizona Western College opened its 2026 season at Charlie Dine Field with a doubleheader split against College of Southern Idaho, taking the opener 8-2 before falling 13-1 in six innings to finish the day 1-1.

The Matadors broke open game one with a monstrous five-run third inning highlighted by Larissa Rueda’s three-run home run. Rueda finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs, and Arizona Western homered four times in the opener as Rauni Gallegos, Analy Trejo and Aaliyah Soderlund each cleared the fence. Gallegos went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, a solo homer and a stolen base. Soderlund was 2-for-3 with two runs and a homer, while Trejo recorded two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored.

On the mound in game one, Jessica Smith completed the game, striking out eight batters while allowing six hits and one earned run. Coach Joel Prickett praised the performance, saying, "She pitched it well, and the defense was solid. Jessica, she's a gamer."

The second game swung the other way as College of Southern Idaho’s pitching and defense took control. CSI pitcher Marrisa Mauger and Southern Idaho’s defense limited Arizona Western to two hits while the Golden Eagles built a big lead en route to a 13-1 victory in six innings. Arizona Western fell behind early after a first-inning error produced an unearned run. Alissa Piñon drove in the Matadors’ lone run with a sacrifice fly in the second inning that briefly tied the game, and Léa Fréchette supplied the only extra-base hit for Arizona Western with a double and a walk.

Prickett put the loss into perspective for his squad, saying, "You'll have games like that. We're playing a good team. Our second and third pitchers have to do better. Sometimes you just can't overcome errors that happen here and there. It's hard to get out of that. Analy had a little bad luck in the circle and defensively we gave them the first two runs. She did well, missed a few spots. The great thing about this game is the score never really tells the story. It's the whole snowball effect; both teams went through it."

For Yuma County residents, the split underscored both the promise and the fragility of a roster relying on depth and the health of student-athletes. Local college sports provide social connection, youth inspiration and positive outlets for physical activity, but they also highlight the need for consistent funding for coaching, medical support and facilities so athletes can compete safely and successfully. Both games were available on the Matador Sports Stream with Seth Hartley on the call, giving families and community members a way to follow the Matadors.

Arizona Western’s opening-weekend slate leaves room for adjustments as the Matadors work to translate the power shown in game one into two consistent outings. Continued community support and attention to athlete health and program resources will matter as the season progresses.