George Loureiro
ASU Student Journalist

Lockdown defense leads to Valley Christian's fourth straight win in Cougar Classic

March 1, 2020 by George Loureiro, Arizona State University


Valley Christian takes the field for the opening pitch against Payson High in the Cougar Classic. (George Loureiro/AZpreps365)

The Valley Christian Trojans were a brick wall defensively Saturday, only allowing one base runner to get past first base in their 13-0 win against Payson in the Cougar Classic.

Freshman starting pitcher Spencer Seigworth pitched a shutout through five innings and struck out five batters. Seigworth also only allowed one hit.

Senior Adam Paniagua came in to close the game and he struck out the side. 

Through the first four games of this season the Trojans have allowed no runs. 

Valley has also put up 57 runs, averaging 14 runs, and committed just two errors.

When asked about the team's confidence Paniagua said, “I feel like we are really confident in ourselves but are still staying humble and working towards what we want.”  

Paniagua has been a crucial part of the Trojans success this season batting .444 and racking up 10 RBIs. He's also a brick wall behind the plate catching. 

“We have a solid baseball team with the potential of being really good. We just have to stay humble and keep on working hard,” said Valley Christian head coach Damon Gilliland. 

The team returned 11 players from last season 23-3 team that featured nine seniors.

Gilliland attributes the success to hard work. “Every day we got bullpen work, infield and outfield work and with a great staff that contribute we just put in the work,” Gilliland said. “No one’s perfect but we are going to work towards it..

“It stems a lot from the weight room, the team will be back in there on Monday too,” Gilliland said.  

What Gilliand preached showed in the game as two doubles contributed to six of the 13 RBIs.