Ayden Vazquez is an ASU Cronkite Journalism student assigned to cover dessert Edge for AZPreps.365.com.

PHOENIX — Paradise Valley High School’s varsity baseball team opened tournament play on Feb. 26 with a win over Northwest Christian before falling to Yuma Catholic in the second game of a doubleheader.

The Trojans (1-1) used a six-run surge over the first two innings in the opener to take control and did not trail the rest of the way against Northwest Christian.

Paradise Valley scored twice in the first inning and added four more in the second to build a 6-0 lead. The early cushion proved decisive as the Trojans capitalized on timely hitting and free passes to create separation.

With first-year head coach Dean Symancyk at the helm, his philosophy on hitting has brought a much-needed aggressiveness to the Trojan bats.

“It was a good day. We’ve been working on our approach at the plate and being more aggressive,” said Symancyk. “We’ve been too passive coming into the season, so it’s good to see the guys take some good swings.”

One batter who really excelled from the aggressive approach is senior shortstop Adair Ortiz. Ortiz was an almost perfect 3-4 on the day, driving in two runs and tripling for Paradise Valley.

Junior outfielder Drew England later added a hit and scored an additional run to the already commanding lead.

“Today was a good day for our team and me,” said Ortiz. “I was seeing the ball really well and was proud of the way we were making contact and getting on base.”

The Trojans finished with five hits and drew five walks in the win.

On the mound, C.J. deChaud started and worked two innings, allowing one run. Tommy Marshall earned the win in relief, pitching four innings and allowing two runs on four hits while striking out four.

Northwest Christian scored once in the third and twice in the fourth to cut into the deficit, but Paradise Valley maintained control with steady defense and limited further damage. The Trojans committed one error and turned routine plays to support their pitching staff.

“This team looks really good. Defensively and offensively. And I’m very excited for the rest of the year and for how we’re going to continue to better as the season continues,” said Ortiz.

Paradise Valley added insurance later in the game to secure the five-run victory.

In the second game, the Trojans were unable to complete a sweep, falling 8-5 to Yuma Catholic.

Yuma Catholic took an early lead, scoring in the first and second innings to move ahead 3-0. Paradise Valley responded in the fourth inning with three runs to trim the deficit to one.

Senior designated hitter Owen Bird went 2 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI in the loss. Braeden Lewis delivered an extra-base hit and drove in a run during the fourth-inning rally.

Yuma Catholic answered with a three-run fifth inning to regain control. The Shamrocks extended the lead to 8-3 before Paradise Valley scored twice in the sixth to close within three runs.

The Trojans were unable to generate further offense in the late innings as Yuma Catholic held on for the win. With a 1-1 record to start the season on day one of the Cougar Classic, it’s safe to say that Coach Symancyk is looking forward to his first season.

“Its nice to get them both out of the way. Definitely, good to get the first day under my belt and just excited to see us grow and continue throughout the season,” said Symancyk.