Last Saturday—July 26, 2025—was a whirlwind for two outstanding junior softball players but they wouldn’t have traded it for anything in the world.

Outfielder Payton Westra and pitcher Goose Goodwin competed for Arizona Rising – Appel—coached by Steve Appel—early in the day in the PGF 18U Premier National Championship.

In a 19-2 triumph over the Lady Dukes – Lamar 18U team, both contributed in big ways.

Payton, who is committed to Oklahoma, hit a bases clearing triple to plate three runs and Goose, a Northwestern verbal, pitched four innings giving up two hits with one earned run allowed with five strikeouts and no walks.

Line Drive’s Brentt Eads caught up with them after their evening participation in the PGF Futures All-American Game won by the Juniors 10-7 over the Sophomores and both recently crowned national champions were tired but so, so happy for one of the best days of softball in their lives!

Here’s the interview…

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