In what was their most successful season in school history, the softball team made its first final four appearance with no shortage of memorable moments along the way.

The Pumas’ (25-10) season had it all, from dominant pitching performances, highlight-reel defense and clutch, walk-off home runs.

“I am very happy with this season because we were eighth last year and we’re fourth or third this year and we just pushed really far,” junior Piper Lujan said.

Ultimately losing in the semi-finals to nationally-ranked Pinnacle, the team put up some of the best stats that Perry has ever seen.

“I was really happy with this season,” sophomore Saige Stutz said. “We have been hitting [well] and our defense has been better.”

After coming so close to the coveted championship, the returning players already have high expectations for themselves in the coming season.

“I think we have it next year as well because we’re going to have great hitters and great fielders,” Lujan said.

Although always holding their own in the 6A Conference, the Pumas shone offensively this season, ending with a combined 257 runs as a team.

“I think it’s just the girls themselves,” Lujan said. “All of us together, pushing each other and making each other want to do better.”

Perhaps the tight-knit sisterhood between this specific group of players has contributed to such success, as each girl is more aware of the girl playing next to her.

“I feel this season has been different because the girls really bonded and throughout the team we had very talented girls who worked well together,” sophomore Chloe Krason said.

With many of the underclassmen continuing on in the program next year, the stage is set for another successful season of Puma softball. The common goal amongst the team is to stay strong throughout playoffs, staying competitive amongst the other 6A powerhouses.

“At the end I think we were getting not too serious,” Lujan said. “We were a little laid back so I think we just need to have a little more drive at the end.”

With Hamilton taking the title again, the ultimate goal is a showdown with the Huskies in the championship game next year.

“I really hope that we can make it to state because Hamilton just won and we ended up beating them twice this year,” Stutz said. “I would love to make it to state and end up winning that game.”