By Don Ketchum

The first time Phoenix Christian played Phoenix Scottsdale Christian in softball this season, Scottsdale Christian squeezed out a 3-2 victory.

There was no reason to think that when the two played again in Wednesday’s first round of the Division IV state tournament, fans would see the offensive floodgates open wide.

But it happened. Fans were entertained like few have been for quite some time.

No. 19 seed Phoenix Christian (12-10) jumped to a 5-0 lead but No. 14 Scottsdale Christian (8-11) battled back to take a 10-7 lead thanks to a six-run fourth. Phoenix Christian then rode a 10-run fifth inning in which it sent 15 batters to the plate and went on to post a 21-11 victory at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex in Phoenix.

Phoenix Christian advances to Friday’s (May 4) second round against No. 3 seed Phoenix Arizona Lutheran. Game time is 4 p.m. at Rose Mofford.

“It’s the state tournament and everyone is a little nervous. It went back and forth and both teams fought back hard,’’ said Phoenix Christian coach Gary Duede.

“After their big inning, our pitcher (Anita Tolmachoff) gave our team the ultimate challenge. She said, “We need to focus and get the job done,’ and that’s what we did.’’

Phoenix Christian collected 24 hits, nine of which came in the big inning.

The Cougars scored three more in the sixth, capped by catcher Katie Westbrook’s two-run home run, the only round-tripper in the game.

Duede and his players will have to adjust on Friday because Westbrook will be absent. She will be attending her brother’s college graduation out of state.

Phoenix Christian met Arizona Lutheran in a double-header to begin the season and the teams split.

“Hopefully, we will be able to hit like we did today,’’ Duede said.