The 2013 softball season is heading toward the playoffs, and teams want to pick up as much momentum as they can get.

Glendale Raymond S. Kellis got a big boost on Thursday night (April 11) by earning a big 8-4 road win against a quality opponent, Goodyear Desert Edge.

The Cougars swung the bats with authority against Desert Edge ace Cyra Wentz, collecting 13 hits, including a solo home run by Alex Paolinelli in the second inning and a two-run shot by Taylor Uden to highlight a four-run sixth.

Raymond S. Kellis, third in Division II power seedings, climbed to 18-6 and No. 11 Desert Edge slipped to 16-5.

“This was a big win for us, because they (Desert Edge) are a good team,’’ said Raymond S. Kellis coach Shawn Sullivan. “Their pitcher is very good, had something like a 1.83 ERA going into the game. We can hit the ball a little. We are close to .400 as a team.’’

Sullivan got a solid effort from his pitcher, Jessica Rojo.

The junior gave up four runs and scattered nine hits, including a home run by Julie Sanchez to lead off the fourth inning and Ari Samaniego’s two-run smash in the seventh.

“Our pitcher is really coming along,’’ said Sullivan of Rojo, who struck out five.

He is pleased with the way his players have bonded this season.

“There is zero drama,’’ he said. “The players really care about each other and will do what it takes to help each other win.’’

Raymond S. Kellis will need some of that magic on April 18, when it will have a rematch with rival Peoria Sunrise Mountain, which annually is one of the top teams in the state.

Sunrise Mountain defeated the Cougars 4-1 at Sunrise Mountain on April 4.

“It was a close game most of the way and that’s what we need to do, keep it close to have a chance,’’ Sullivan said.

If the Cougars play the way they did against Desert Edge, they should have a chance.