Piedra Vista shines at 2025 Linda Crabtree Softball Challenge

By Truman Begaye
Special to the Times

FARMINGTON — Hosts of the 2025 Linda Crabtree Softball Challenge, the Piedra Vista Lady Panthers (9-5-1) rolled through their tournament schedule, winning four out of five games at the Farmington Sports Complex.

“We started this tournament in 2007 and took a hiatus when COVID hit,” said head coach Kevin Werth. “Then our athletic directors wanted to bring it back this year, so we did—and had a good response. Twenty-something teams, both JV and varsity, lots of traffic—great for the softball community. Great experience, I think. I hope everybody had a good time here and enjoyed it.”

Piedra Vista opened tournament play against the Kirtland Central Lady Broncos. Senior pitcher Brookelynn Cadrain gave up nine hits, five runs, and three walks while striking out 10 of 29 batters. Despite the early struggles in the circle, the Panthers’ defense held strong and their offense drove in six runs on five RBIs, walking off with a 6-5 victory.

In their second game against the Santa Fe Demons, the Panthers found their rhythm at the plate while shutting out the opposition. They racked up 14 hits, 15 RBIs, and 16 runs—including a home run—en route to a 16-0 blowout. Sophomore pitcher Octaviana John allowed only one hit and no walks or runs in the win.

Piedra Vista’s lone loss came in their third game against the Silver Lady Fighting Colts, falling 12-5. Cadrain returned to the mound and gave up 12 runs on 12 hits and two walks, striking out just one of the 33 batters she faced. Silver’s ace Azariah Madrid struck out 14 of the 31 Panthers she faced in a dominant performance.

The Lady Panthers quickly bounced back in their fourth game, routing the Valencia Jaguars 16-1. Cadrain and sophomore Michaela Perea shared pitching duties, with Perea delivering a flawless outing—no hits, no runs, and no walks. Offensively, Piedra Vista had 21 at-bats and recorded 13 hits, 14 RBIs, and 16 total runs.

They closed out the tournament in dominant fashion with a 17-0 shutout over the Albuquerque Academy Lady Chargers. Perea led all batters with three hits and four RBIs, while she and John combined to keep the Chargers scoreless and off balance throughout the game.

“We dropped one yesterday (March 21) to a very good Silver team, and we had to come back today and bounce back,” Werth said after the final game. “I thought the kids came back strong—especially in this last game. We hit the ball the way we’re capable of and pitched well. Just an overall good way to finish up the tournament.”

On Tuesday, the Lady Panthers defeated Bloomfield, 27-2, in a nondistrict game.