Softball:
Azusa got tested for one of the first times in 2021.
And while it was closer than they would have liked, the Aztecs defeated Indio, 5-4, in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 6 playoffs.
Iliana Cardenas went five innings to earn the win.
Cardenas was charged with three runs (two earned) on seven hits.
She walked two and struck out six.
Juliana Canizales closed the door and allowed one run on two hits over her two innings in the circle.
She walked one and fanned four Indio batters.
Victoria Huerta, Amaya Rodriguez and Desirae Walls had two hits apiece for the Rajahs.
Walls got the loss for Indio, after surrendering five runs (three earned) on seven hits.
Walls walked three and struck out a pair of Aztecs’ batters.
Gwendalyn Rivas singled and had an RBI.
Raelene Rodriguez and Breanna Rodriguez both singled and scored one run apiece.
Alyssa Ceballos singled twice, scored and had an RBI.
Natalie Sosa walked, singled, scored and drove in a run.
Angelian Correos had one RBI and Alexandra Caballero scored a run for Azusa.
Up next: The Aztecs will travel to Victor Valley for their second-round game on Saturday.
Box Score:
I: 1-0-1-1-0-0-1-(4)
A: 0-0-1-4-0-0-x-(5)
Win: Iliana Cardenas
Loss: Desirae Walls
2B: Desirae Walls (I), Amaya Rodriguez (I)
Records: Indio (11-8); Azusa (13-1)