Sallisaw boys win Pioneer Pitch Classic; Lady Diamonds claim consolation championship

GENTRY, Ark. — The Sallisaw Black Diamonds soccer team claimed the championship of the Pioneer Pitch Classic on Saturday with a 5-1 win over Lifeway after beating Providence 4-1 on Thursday and defeating host Gentry 1-0 on Friday.

The Lady Diamonds won the consolation championship with a 4-0 win over Providence on Thursday after losing 2-0 to Stilwell earlier in the day.

In the boys’ title match against Lifeway, Wes Rodriguez scored four of the five goals, with Cesar Morales scoring the other goal for the Black Diamonds (4-0).

In the boys’ semifinal match against Gentry, the lone goal was scored by Sama Salinas in the late minutes of the second half. In the boys’ quarterfinal match against Providence, Rodriguez scored a hat trick, with the fourth goal scored by Salinas. For the tournament, goalkeeper Josh Taylor had 10 saves. Anthony Adame had five saves during the three-day event, while Mason Hardin had two saves. While being blanked against Stilwell, the Lady Diamonds (2-1) got two goals from Emilie Robbins and a goal apiece from AvaLynn Donaldson and Bella Morales. Promise Flute had nine saves combined in the two matches.

After playing Tuesday evening at Grove, the Sallisaw soccer teams will face Heavener on Thursday at Perry F. Lattimore Stadium. The girls’ match will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the boys’ contest at 7 p.m.