The 2024 Pershing County softball team displays their trophy.
The softball team Lovelock loves to watch won the Northern 2A Regional Championship last weekend on its home field.
In the opening round, Pershing County overcame a deficit against Battle Mountain with a home run from Taylor Garland in the fifth inning. The final score was 5-2.
Later on Friday afternoon, the Mustangs edged out Yerington by one slim run, 14-13.
Raegan Burrows runs bases against Battle Mountain in the Northern 2A Regional Championships, this past weekend in Lovelock.
Their families and fans were with them every inch of the way. They set up tents under bright umbrellas, sat in the bleachers or watched from their cars. They never doubted Pershing County’s sweethearts.
“My girls played hard this weekend. They were hungry and wanted the win. The seniors especially stepped up. Taylor with her walk-off home run was key to our success against Battle Mountain. She also pitched all three games,” said coach Jordan McKinney.
The title game pitted two top teams against each other. This time it wasn’t close. The Mustangs prevailed over Yerington 11-1.
They kept the Lions off the scoreboard, not an easy feat. The girls in purple won 12 contests by seven runs or more so far this season.
Pershing County’s Taylor Garland pitches for the Mustangs.
McKinney said Anna Happy played a key role in holding Yerington nearly flat.
“She hit well and played tough defense, just like we needed her to,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Mustangs communicated well and executed their positions.
“Mady (Grenz) had a good weekend on first base and a few good hits. Raegan (Burrows) crushed the ball all three games as our leadoff batter. She made things happen for us. Aaliyah (Allen) did her job behind the plate and had a good hit right when we needed it.”
“Arya (Garland) played an excellent second base and made good plays. I could not have asked for a better overall performance from Riley (Harvey). She stepped up her game this weekend,” she added.
Pershing County's Anna Happy and Arya Garland tag a Yerington base runner on second base.
Pershing County remains undefeated at 26-0 overall and 21-0 in the Northern 2A.
It will be the third State trip this year for Allen, Mia Canchola, Yasmine McKinney, Kyra Cerini, Arya Garland, Burrows, Taylor Garland and Happy.
They will have competed in state tournaments in volleyball and softball.
Coaches Monica Halverson and Lee Houston are rooting for them to do well in Vegas this weekend.
They’re eager for another chance to bring home the gold, especially the seniors - McKinney, Taylor Garland and Happy. Seniors Mady Grenz and Miya Gallagher excelled in soccer. Kaylah Hanley, also a senior, pumped up the crowds in the Spirit Squad.
The Mustangs will compete in the NIAA 2A State Championships at Durango High School in Las Vegas on Thursday, May 16, at 1 p.m.
They play White Pine (Ely) in the first round. Yerington plays Needles at 4 p.m.
The finals are on Friday, May 17. The championship game is Saturday, May 18. Needles has won the last two state championships.