Lady Vikes win seven of eight games, ranked no. 15

First baseman Frenchesca Pennington talks to the pitcher during an earlier season game. Wendy Howell/WGCN

Wendy Howell

Originally Published: April 12, 2016 7 p.m.

WILLIAMS, Ariz.-The Lady Vikes softball team successfully swung into Division V play March 15 and brought home seven wins out of eight games against schools of similar size.

The Lady Vikes started the streak with a win against Fredonia March 15 (8-7), followed by two more wins against Red Mesa (26-4) and Alchesay (16-6). They faced a loss against non-division school Chino Valley and went on a four game winning streak against Mogollon (23-17), Rock Point (17-0), Seligman (8-5) and Mingus Mountain (16-0).

The Joseph City Wildcats ended the Lady Vikes winning streak with a 2-12 win April 8.

"Joseph City is tough," said Lady Vikes head coach Travis Grantham.

Joseph City is ranked seventh in the state for Division V schools.

Grantham was most impressed with the Lady Vikes win against Seligman.

"It was a very good win," Grantham said. "They had a really good catcher-pitcher combination."

Pitcher Carli Grantham had 12 strike-outs during the Seligman game. Frenchesca Pennington had an inside-the-park home run, and Shelbia Lathim went four for five at the plate.

"I think we are starting to do pretty good at the right time," Grantham said.

Grantham's team doubled in size since last year with enough players to outfit a junior varsity and varsity team.

"We have 16 returning players next year," Grantham said. "We're still playing very young. Especially our key positions. They are answering very well right now though."

The Lady Vikes are ranked 15 in Division V schools with a 7-4 overall record (2-0 in section play).

The Vikings baseball team has also done well in division play and is now ranked 13 in Division V schools with an 8-4 overall record (2-0 in section play).

The Vikings won seven of eight games against Division V teams with wins against Ganado (14-1), Fredonia (15-0), Red Mesa (20-4), Mogollon (18-8), Telesis prep (12-0), Rock Point (23-0), and Seligman (25-8). Their only loss came against Alchesay (3-19).

The Lady Vikes and Vikings faced Mojave Accelerated April 12 (after the News went to press) and will face the Ash Fork Spartans April 19 at 4 p.m in Ash Fork.