As the days grow longer and the air turns warmer, the time to be outside could not be better. Students and fans gather for an evening of entertainment, cheering on their favorite players.

Softball season is coming to a close and Perry has proven to be a team worth supporting. Currently maintaining a 7-4 season record, the Pumas sit ranked No. 15 in state with their eyes set on playoffs.

Getting more confident with each victory, the Pumas defeated Williams Field and Mountain Pointe this past week. However, they met their match when defeated by No. 5 ranked Hamilton and No. 2 ranked Desert Vista.

“We were stacked pretty heavy this year but as far as top ten teams go we are through all of that,” head coach Rob Hehe says.

The team is determined not to let their losses define them. Instead they plan on building on their strengths in order to close out the season successfully.

“We constantly continue to get better and better and prove people wrong,” junior Lexi Hopper shares.

In order for the Pumas to clinch a playoff spot, it is essential for the team to maintain their successful season record.

“Our biggest challenge [is] after winning a couple games we have to just keep winning games instead of thinking that we got it,” freshmen pitcher Sage Stutz says.

While many teams utmost goal is that of ranking in state playoffs and competing in the state championships, the Pumas have set their prime goal on something else: leaving a mark.

“Our goal is to leave a mark and make sure everyone knows to be afraid of us.” Hopper shares.  In order to achieve and pursue this goal the team has created their own style of the game, one that is aggressive and demanding of respect.

“It use to be Perry was kind of a push over, and teams are no longer looking at us like that,” coach Hehe says. “They are showing respect.”

Defying the odds and rising above and beyond expectations this year’s team has accomplished their goal of be a team worth regarding as challenging and respectful. The Pumas compete in their final home game against Horizon High School Friday Apr. 22.