Carmel built an early lead and held on late Thursday to defeat Aptos 5–4 after the Mariners nearly erased a five-run deficit.

The Padres broke through in the second inning when Claire Stephens brought home a run on a lineout and Annabella Schroeder followed with a two-run single. Carmel continued to add runs and carried a comfortable lead into the later innings before Aptos mounted a late push.

The Mariners chipped away with run-scoring hits to close the gap, but Carmel managed to hold on in the final frames.

Olivia Tringali earned the win in the circle, striking out nine while allowing four runs over seven innings. Schroeder led the Padres at the plate with two RBIs and two hits, while Ava Staehle also collected two hits in the win.