Briskis' guide Desert Vista past Perry

March 20, 2023 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


Desert Vista's Stephanie Kiefer finishes fifth-inning, home-run trot in the Thunder's 6A victory at Perry on Monday. (Azpreps365 photo)

A small-ball rally and long-ball rally provided the offense Desert Vista needed Monday in posting a 5-2 victory over host Perry in a 6A non-region softball game.

Desert Vista parlayed walks, a sacrifice and single for two runs in the first and received fifth-inning home runs from senior Stephanie Kiefer and freshman Ava Briski in winning its fourth consecutive game. Thunder senior Jocelyn Briski picked up the win in the circle. She allowed three hits, two runs and struck out nine in her complete-game effort.

The Thunder are 4-1 in power-ranking games. Perry is 3-2 in power-ranking games. The Pumas won their first three power-ranking games averaging 10 runs per game. In their two losses only four runs total have crossed the plate, albeit against better competition.

Jocelyn Briski supplied Desert Vista with with an early lead. She stroked a two-run single to right in the top of the first. A 5-0 cushion emerged in the top of the fifth. Kiefer blasted a leadoff homer. One out later with a runner on first, Ava Briski launched her homer over the centerfield fence.

Desert Vista's three-run fifth was timely as Perry responded with its runs in the bottom of the frame. Perry shortstop Sienna Kunze homered with teammate Sammie Kaufman-Warner aboard (via walk). Jocelyn Briski pitched out of the inning inducing a pair of fly outs. Briski retired Perry in order in the sixth and seventh. Four of her strikeouts were recorded in the final two innings.

Perry's next game is Wednesday at Mesa Mountain View. The Pumas are idle after that until March 27. Up next for Desert Vista is the Hamilton Invitational. The tournament runs Thursday through Saturday at Hamilton High.