Katelynn Thun is an NAU School of Communication journalism student assigned to cover softball for AZPreps365.com.

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino Panthers continue to stack wins in the 4A Grand Canyon Region after a dominant performance against the Bradshaw Mountain Bears on Tuesday. 

Senior Norah Kennelly got the starting pitching job for the Panthers and allowed just two hits. 

Panthers head coach Kimberly Dennis credits Kennelly for setting the tempo of the game with her pitching. 

“Norah pitched a great game today, kept them off their toes and really controlled the tone of the game,” Dennis said. 

Coconino would also remain dominant throughout the game on the offensive side of the ball. The Panthers scored five runs in the bottom of the third inning and six in the bottom of the fifth, including a grand slam by senior second baseman Cassidey Castillo to end the game for the Panthers in the fifth.

“We were disciplined at the plate and they just saw the ball really well today,” Dennis said. 

After the win on Tuesday the Panthers are now on a five-game winning streak, all of which have been region games. 

“I think it’s very important. We got to keep it rolling and our girls are doing really well playing together and playing for each other right now,” Dennis said.  

Kennelly echoed the same sentiment about the need for the Panthers to carry their current momentum in the postseason. 

“Definitely just keep rolling, one pitch at a time. Keep working for each other, doing everything we can just to push each other and keep playing the game,” Kennelly said.   

The Panthers currently sit in second place in the Grand Canyon region with a 7-2 record. 

With just four games left in the regular season, the Panthers are looking toward the postseason as they begin their defense of their 4A state title. 

“Region wise we still have three hard games ahead of us,” Dennis said. “We’ll continue to focus on teammates and playing for each other and wanting the ball defensively and being disciplined.” 

After the win the Panthers improve to 10-4 in conference play and 16-5 overall. The Bears are now 7-10-1 on the season and currently sit in sixth place in the Grand Canyon Region.  

The Panthers will face the Bears on the road on Thursday, April 16.