Caviegirl Softball’s Biggest Win!

Bits & Pieces by Don Eskins

The Carlsbad Cavegirl softball team posted yet another stellar season. It’s a feat that Cavern City sports fans have become quite accustomed to.

During 2025, under the direction of fourth-year head coach Brian Santo, CHS’s girls reeled off 22 wins versus just eight losses. En route to that record, the Cavegirls won this year’s District 4/5A title, fought their way deep into the state tournament playoffs, and ended the season ranked seventh among Class 5A softball teams in New Mexico.

As if that wasn’t enough, they also saw 10 of their players gain All-District honors, two collect New Mexico All-Star recognition, and two get named to this year’s All-State team.

Yes, 2025 was filled with big victories for the Cavegirls. However, in this ol’ boy’s opinion, none of that success topped their other efforts.

CHS Girls Fight to Strikeout Cancer

While Carlsbad’s girls battled hard to punch their tickets back to the state tournament in 2025, they still found the time to participate in a most important effort, the fight to help defeat cancer.

“I had noticed that the National Fast Pitch Coaching Association was encouraging youth programs to participate in their ‘Strikeout Cancer’ program this year,” said Cavegirl coach Brian Santo. “It’s a program designed to help raise funds to help defeat cancer. I felt like it was something we should participate in.”

On April 15, the Cavegirls designated their double-header series with the Clovis Wildcats as “Strikeout Cancer” night. On April 21, after completing a few weeks of fundraising, they presented a check to Brittany’s Hope, a division of Carlsbad’s Faith, Love and Hope Foundation, for $5,250.

“All of our girls—the varsity and JV’s—bought into the NCFA’s program to help ‘Strikeout Cancer,’ said Santo. “It was such a worthwhile project for them to participate in, and they all worked really hard to make our effort a successful one. Our coaching staff couldn’t have been more proud of them.”

Neither could Carlsbad coach! Cavegirl softball—about more than just X’s and O’s.