54 JUNE 2019 By Jennifer Marshall SOFTBALL The Arcadia High varsity softball team finished their season 13-10 and headed into the playoffs with a No. 1 ranking in their 4A Desert Sky Region. Unfortunately, the Lady Titans were eliminated from State Tournament play by Combs High School. “The girls were very positive,” Coach Jason Foster said, “and that made for a positive year. Despite a lot of figuring out who was going to play what position, the girls gave their best.” The team graduated eight seniors last year, which left many holes to fill this season. Aside from senior pitcher Ellie Richardson, every other player took on a position they’d never played, with some playing multiple positions. In addition to restructuring the entire team, the lack of consistency was a weakness for them this season. “Our defense wasn’t as consistent in the field as it needed to be to win ballgames,” Foster said. For a team facing its share of adversity this year, there were also several high points. Five freshmen lettered, and Foster cites the strong camaraderie between the girls and their ability to work well together as being major assets toward the team’s success. “Jordyn Pender and Jade Ng, two of our senior players, really stepped up and did an outstanding job offensively,” Foster said. “Our senior leaders were definitely our source of strength as they led the team in every offensive category.” While it will be challenging to replace Pender’s and Ng’s offensive power, the team is looking forward to next year and planning to improve on this past season. “Next year,” Foster said, “we’ll be a year older, and as we continue to develop, we’ll have an even stronger season.” BASEBALL The Arcadia High varsity baseball team closed out a challenging 2019 season with an overall record of 9-15 and missed the playoffs by a single game. Head Coach Troy Gerlach saw a lot of positives in his team. “When you look at our record on paper, it doesn’t look like a very good year,” Gerlach said. “But then I was there every day to see the growth and maturity of the players. As a group, these guys continued to improve and everyone’s hungry for next year.” Inconsistent defense was a big struggle for the team. “We made quite a few errors,” Gerlach said, “but if we clean them up, we have a chance to be really good in the next few years.” By contrast, their strength resided in their presence on the mound. “Our pitching staff kept us in the game all season,” Gerlach said, “and they did a phenomenal job.” Gerlach has nothing but praise for his team, who came out every day and worked hard. As the season progressed, Arcadia won more games, which gives strength to the axiom that “practice makes perfect.” “We have a great group of kids,” Gerlach said. “They’re very young and talented, and they’re right on the cusp of doing some great things in the coming years.” AHS varsity softball and baseball wrap up their seasons Keeley Yeager connects on a base hit up the middle. PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON FOSTER Arcadia High School junior Matt Yniguez slides into home plate to score a run. PHOTO: DAVIS WINBORNE Local Dentist Helps Uninsured Adults SPONSORED CONTENT Dr. Sophon Heng D.D.S. caters to those people who don’t have dental insurance. Dr. Heng provides comprehensive dental care exclusively to uninsured adults in a modern, yet modest office in Phoenix. Dr. Heng grew up in Seattle and graduated in 2001 from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, and he relocated to Phoenix after graduation. “After watching the dental profession change,” said Dr. Heng, “I felt it had to be done a different way: ‘A Non-insured Way.’ We use the latest technology and treatment, yet we keep our facility modest and control our business overhead, which allows us to offer lower fees to serve the people in the community.” For example, Dr Heng’s office charges $599 for a lifelike crown made with latest materials and technology. His crowns are guaranteed for life against breakage or defects. There is never a charge for a so-called crown build up. Other dental offices could customarily run from $800 to $1200 or more for a similar crown in this area. Also, other general procedures in Dr. Heng’s office run 30-60% less than those typically charged. For example, $599 for a root canal, $499 for immediate denture (each), cleaning starts at $30. Patients often remark they find Dr. Heng’s office a breath of fresh air in an age where profit and greed driven corporations and “banksters” are invading every aspect of our lives, including our health care. “We have had a great response from all of our patients and we have met so many wonderful and appreciative people.” said office manager Channa. “We treat all of our patients like we would our own family.” “We explain to our patients that we don’t cut corners on care, treatment or materials,” said Karen, dental assistant. “We pride ourselves in treating people not just their teeth. We love dentistry and feel great about providing excellent care. We are driven by our desire to help others.” Many of Dr. Heng’s patients are young adults and seniors who have no dental insurance or have only a limited policy that gives them a few benefits and then charges more for their other needs. 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