HENDERSON — Green Valley outlasted Liberty 8-6 in extra innings Thursday in a Class 5A softball game that marked the first day of high school spring sports competition in Nevada.
The Gators jumped ahead early, but the Patriots rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh inning, forcing extras. Green Valley regained the lead in the top of the eighth and held on for the win.
Mia Hernandez pitched for Green Valley and also scored a run, sliding into home as Liberty catcher Presley Crowder reached for the ball. Janiece Fennell scored a run and later tagged out Liberty’s Kenna Walker on the basepaths. Lyla Baxter reached base multiple times, stole second safely on a play where Liberty’s Logan Sanford went for the tag, and scored a run.
For Liberty, Danielle Diaz started in the circle. Charlotte Crittenden made a catch in the outfield, and Danielle Luvanos caught a fly ball and later slid into second base against Fennell. Presley Crowder celebrated after a play during the game. Portlynn Stacey ran to second base. Charli Taylor was involved in a play at third base.
Kayana Fejerang-Sofge slid into third base against Taylor and later scored a run in extra innings. Lauryn Galvin hit the ball for Green Valley.
Green Valley next hosts Silverado at 3 p.m. Friday. Liberty plays at Bishop Gorman at 3 p.m. Friday.
