COOLIDGE, AZ— April 11, 2025
In a classic pitchers' duel to open their four-game ACCAC conference series, the College of Southern Nevada Lady Coyotes edged the Central Arizona Vaqueras 1-0 on Friday evening behind a dominant complete-game shutout from Mckenna Cahoon. With the win, CSN improves to 18-16 overall and 10-7 in ACCAC play.
Cahoon was in full command in the circle, scattering six hits over seven innings without allowing a walk or an earned run. The right-hander struck out one and relied on a sharp defense behind her to strand 10 Vaqueras on base across the game. With the win, Cahoon improves to 1-0 on the season and delivers CSN its second shutout of conference play.
The game's lone run came in the top of the seventh inning, breaking a scoreless tie. After Justice Lavin drew a leadoff walk and was sacrificed to second by Mariela Rodriguez, back-to-back singles from Camryn Hunkins and Jimena Barraza-Caro loaded the bases. Chloe Makinney then stepped in and delivered the decisive blow, grounding into a fielder's choice that allowed Lavin to score what would prove to be the game-winning run.
CSN threatened throughout the game but left 16 runners on base, including stranding the bases loaded in earlier innings. Barraza-Caro and Hunkins each collected two hits, while Athena Tonga'onevai and Makinney added one apiece to round out the six-hit performance.
Defensively, the Coyotes played clean for most of the game aside from one error, while executing two sacrifice bunts and a key stolen base from Brytnee Caldwell that helped shift momentum in the sixth inning.
Central Arizona had its opportunities but could not capitalize, including runners in scoring position in the second and fourth innings. Vaqueras starter Alyssa Baldenegro was impressive in a complete-game effort of her own, surrendering just one run on six hits with two walks and one strikeout over seven innings, but took the hard-luck loss.
The Lady Coyotes will look to build on this gritty win as they continue the series against the Vaqueras on Friday evening of the scheduled doubleheader.
