No. 1 Green Valley holds off No. 2 Faith Lutheran — PHOTOS

Green Valley & #x 2019; s Rustie Riley bats against Faith Lutheran throughout a high school softball video game at Green Valley High School on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Henderson. Green Valley & #x 2019; s Aspyn Beattie checks out a pitch from Faith Lutheran throughout a high school softball game at Green Valley High School on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Henderson. Faith Lutheran coach Hillary Nell slaps hands with pitcher Jersie McDonald (4) during a high school softball video game versus Green Valley at Green Valley High School on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Henderson.
The strength of the Green Valley and Faith Lutheran softball groups mirrored that of a playoff game.

It was fitting provided the groups split their two postseason conferences in 2015. Faith Lutheran won the Class 5A Southern Region title video game, however Green Valley got rid of the Crusaders in the state tournament on its way to the 5A championship.

In the groups' very first conference given that the playoffs, Green Valley - - No. 1 in the Review-Journal's rankings - - held off No. 2 Faith Lutheran for a 4-3 house win Tuesday.

" It's an excellent sensation," sophomore catcher Rustie Riley stated. "A huge weight was lifted off us since we've been anticipating this game. It's great to come out on top with the win."

Riley drove in 2 runs in the third, as Green Valley (11-3, 5-0 Class 5A Desert League) scored 3 times in the inning to offer itself enough of a cushion to hold on for its 11th straight win.

" Championship teams deal with high pressure like that," Green Valley coach A.J. Coleman stated. "They revealed what they're made of today."

Green Valley senior pitcher Avari Morris made the win, striking out 10 in seven innings. She allowed 5 hits and three runs however worked to put away the Crusaders when they cut into the Gators' lead.

" She's going to go out and provide everything she has," Coleman stated. "She's a fighter."

Faith Lutheran (17-5, 3-2) scored in the first on a two-out double from senior 3rd baseman Averi O that scored junior best fielder Ava Walker. When senior shortstop Mikee Morris scored on a passed ball, Green Valley answered in the bottom of the second.

The Gators pulled ahead in the 3rd. They filled the bases after a pair of strolls and a single from Avari Morris.

Junior left fielder Brianna Guerrero scored on an error, and 2 more scored on Riley's single.

" I was trying to find a great pitch, possibly on the outdoors corner, so I could drive in a run or two," Riley stated. "And get some encounter, be selfless and simply wait on a great pitch to be able to do so."

Faith Lutheran slowly tried Green Valley's lead. Senior designated player Savannah Moore blasted a crowning achievement to right field in the fourth, and freshman 2nd baseman Ava Koenig drove in a run in the fifth on a single.

Faith Lutheran wouldn't get another base runner, as Avari Morris put away the Crusaders in the 6th and seventh.

Riley went 2-for-3 for Green Valley, and Moore went 2-for-3 for Faith Lutheran.

" This is going to do a lot for our group," Riley said. "This really enhances our confidence and presses us to continue to work so that we can beat them the next time."

The regular-season rematch will be April 28 at Faith Lutheran.

Contact Alex Wright at awright@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AlexWright1028 on Twitter.