After a generation of frustration, it appears the Nogales softball program is on the verge of breaking through. The Apaches recorded 20 wins in 2013 and finished with 25 last year after making it to the second round of the Division III state playoffs for the first time in school history.
The Tucson Lady Badgers are hosting the last softball invitational of the season comprised of "big schools" from Southern Arizona and it looks like the top teams will not be decided until pool play is over
No. 9 Oro Valley Ironwood Ridge defeated No. 24 Yuma Gila Ridge 64-45 Wednesday night in the first round of the Division II state playoffs, sending the Nighthawks to the second round for the first time since 2011. Coincidentally, that year was also the last time the Gila Ridge Hawks qualified for the playoffs.