HENDERSON, NV — April 18, 2025 - The College of Southern Nevada Lady Coyotes opened their four-game ACCAC conference series with a statement, defeating the Arizona Western College Matadors 4-3 behind a clutch third inning and a complete-game performance from Mckenna Cahoon at Lady Coyote Field. With the win, CSN improves to 21-17 overall and 13-8 in ACCAC play.

Cahoon (6-7) was strong in the circle, tossing all seven innings while allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits with one walk and a strikeout. Her performance was backed by timely hitting and a balanced offensive attack that saw 13 hits spread across the CSN lineup.

After Arizona Western took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third, CSN responded with a decisive four-run bottom half. Camryn Hunkins, Jimena Barraza-Caro, and Chloe Makinney opened the inning with three straight singles to load the bases. Destinee Lopez followed with a bases-clearing double to right center, giving CSN a 3-1 lead. Pinch runner Jrew-Marie Mina later scored on a two-out RBI single from Chaleah Workman to cap the inning at 4-1.

Makinney finished 4-for-4 at the plate with a double and a stolen base, leading an efficient CSN offense that also saw multi-hit games from Hunkins (2-for-4), Olson (2-for-2), and Lopez (1-for-3, 3 RBI). The Coyotes capitalized on their chances, stranding just nine runners despite their 13-hit effort.

The Matadors threatened late with a two-run rally in the top of the seventh, trimming the deficit to 4-3 on an RBI double from R. Gallegos, but Cahoon induced a flyout to end the game with the tying run on base.

Defensively, CSN turned a highlight-reel triple play in the top of the fourth. With runners on first and second, a sharp lineout to Lopez at first base sparked the defensive gem, with a toe tap on first then a quick throw to shortstop Barraza-Caro to retire all three runners and squash the threat.

Arizona Western starter K. Corral (8-5) went the distance in the loss, giving up 13 hits and four earned runs without issuing a walk.

The two teams will meet again Friday afternoon, with CSN looking to continue its momentum and claim the series outright.