The Phoenix College Bears saw their Region I Tournament run come to an end on Friday afternoon after falling to South Mountain Community College 6-2 in an elimination game at Pima Community College in Tucson.
Despite the loss, the Bears now await a possible at-large selection to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament, which will take place May 18-23 at Tyger River Park in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Phoenix College finished the season with an impressive 38-13 overall record after another strong year under Head Coach Heinz Mueller. Earlier in the day, the Bears kept their postseason hopes alive with an 8-0 victory over Scottsdale Community College, which also marked Coach Mueller's historic 1,700th career win.
Against South Mountain, the Bears collected 10 hits but were unable to capitalize offensively late in the game. Olivia Deford and Katelyn Larney each had two hits, while Taylor Borup finished 2-for-4 with an RBI. Hope Hutchins also added two hits for Phoenix College.
The Cougars took control with a three-run third inning and added two more insurance runs in the sixth. South Mountain finished with seven hits, including doubles from Sadie Su'a, Alyssa Jemio, Kaeliann Glass, Leah Alcala, and Tazia Blake. Blake led the Cougars with three RBIs.
Maddison Peter got the start in the circle for Phoenix College before Julianna Nava came in for relief. Together, the duo combined for three strikeouts.
The Bears entered the Region I Tournament as the No. 3 seed after posting a 31-11 ACCAC conference record during the regular season. Phoenix College also recorded key wins throughout the year against nationally ranked opponents, including a regular season sweep of No. 1 seed Pima Community College at home earlier in the season.
Now, Phoenix College turns its attention to the national tournament selection process. With 38 wins, a top-three conference finish, and one of the strongest offensive lineups in Region I, the Bears remain hopeful for an at-large bid to continue their season on the national stage in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
