50 APRIL 2022 By Rachael Bouley The 2022 high school softball season is in full swing for local schools, and teams around Arcadia are working hard to make the most of every game. Here’s the latest news for the Arcadia High Titans, Xavier Prep Gators and Christ Lutheran Lions. ARCADIA HIGH The Titans got off to a 6-4-1 start in the 5A Northeast Valley conference, hoping to build on the solid foundation they focused on last season when softball resumed. “We’re looking to improve on attitude and effort this year, trying to stay positive through tough times,” Coach Jason Foster said. “Our goal is to improve in our region and look to compete for a title this season.” The Titans aim for consistency as the season runs for about two months from the end of February through April before playoffs and state championships occur in May. “We are still working to improve our defense, which is coming along well and should be in top-notch form during region play,” Foster explained. “We learned a lot in our first tournament, going 4-1-1 and making it into the semi-finals.” The team’s 14-player roster features a few teammates who started playing softball in Arcadia Little League as kids and stuck with the sport throughout school, giving them a strong foundation for staying competitive, even in a challenging conference. Coach Foster said that some of the key players this season include seniors Josephine Cariveau, Mia Mavoides and Charlotte Wylie. Jo leads the team in hits, with an average over .500, and the others are not far behind. There’s Arcadia’s notable pitching strength, as well, with Izzy Abalos, Kailyn Montoya and Avery Wahl staying in control on the mound to keep the Titans in most games, which is vital as the team strives for steady improvements. “We are looking to continue to have fun playing the game and get a little better every day,” Foster said. XAVIER PREP The reigning 6A champions are riding the momentum of last season when they brought home the school’s first softball state championship. The Gators went 19-2 in 2021 and are off to a strong start in the 6A Premier region this year, with 10 wins and three losses so far. “We have an experienced group of players, all of whom contributed to last year’s success,” Coach Bradley Bledsoe Downes said. “We rely heavily on pitching from Riley Flynn, hitting from the returning seniors and Lauren Putz, and contributions from returning and new players. A number of our younger players have grown and are exciting to watch.” Xavier’s success in recent years made MaxPreps’ list of the best high school softball teams in the U.S. One of the key reasons is the return of Bridget Donahey and Riley Flynn, two of the top senior soft-ballers in the state, who were regional leaders last year. Donahey plays shortstop and is batting above .500, while 2021 All Arizona Softball Team pitcher Flynn picked up six wins within the first ten games with an ERA under 2.00. Five of the Gators’ 16 varsity players are experienced seniors, with outfielder Elliot Smith hitting over .650 and Emma Petersen adding depth at first base and on the mound. The younger players are stepping up, too. Sophomore Lauren Putz batted .594 in 10 games, while second-year outfielder Tabitha VonKolen has been reliable in relief. “Our strengths are good pitching, experience, team speed and strong hitters,” Downes said. “Every game is a challenge that prepares us for the playoffs, and I’m excited to watch the team grow together.” CHRIST LUTHERAN Christ Lutheran School also found success in softball this year as their seventh-grade squad took first place at the Catholic Youth Athletic Association tournament while playing against other Christian schools from across the Valley. CLS boasted two softball teams this year: a fifth-sixth grade team and a seventh- grade team. “It was great seeing them win first place. These girls are such a dedicated and athletic group,” Coach Sergio Ramos said. “In sixth grade they would play baseball with the boys almost every recess, so I loved watching them play for their school this year.” Coach Ramos reflected on highlights of the final game, saying that the pitcher did really well and made it tough on Saint Louis the King Catholic School’s batters. “The girls were hitting the ball hard and making great plays in the field, and they never stopped encouraging each other. The final play of the game was a great catch in the outfield,” Ramos said. “They were determined to get that championship banner to hang in the gym.” The girls went undefeated in both season and tournament play; many games were played against eighth grade teams. “We’ve been blessed to be able to coach such a fun and competitive group. We’ve known most of them since t-ball and it was rewarding seeing their hard work over the years pay off,” Ramos said. The Lions had the same feeling as their coach: “It felt like we deserved it because we worked really hard and it was exciting to represent our school in that way,” Mia Calihan said. “We worked really hard and it was really nice to take home a win,” Riley Tezanos echoed. In softball, good girls steal (bases) PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL PHOTO COURTESY OF ARCADIA HIGH Front row: Zoie Thomas, Isabel Abalos, Taite Lockett, Avery Wahl, Mia Mavoides, Monireh Levinson. Middle row: Isabella Ireland, Logan Jenkins, Jennifer Potter, Charlotte Wylie, Josephine Cariveau. Top row: Coach Jason Foster, Josephine McAfee, Elsa Steen Koppell, Kailyn Montoya, Carmela Seiss, Whitney Hess. Coach Sergio, Mia Calihan, Mia Nassos, Mackenzie Latvaaho, Sylvia Vercellino, Mckenna Hackett, Joie Ramos, Riley Tezanos, Ellie Liakos, Reese Koehler, Sofia Pacheco, Madison Lane and Coach Shannon Ramos. Reach 45,000 potential patients or clients... 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51 APRIL 2022 By Jennifer Marshall The players have grabbed their gloves and bats and have taken to the field! Arcadia Little League – which has been around since 1957 (65 years!) – started its official season with practice sessions in February. The first game was held on March 21. Games are played each day until the championship rounds begin in early May. “We’re seeing enthusiasm from parents new to the league who are bringing their little ones to their first experience by playing tee-ball,” ALL President Cheri Pierce said. “Health and safety continue to be a concern among parents, so we are trying to bring confidence by adhering to SUSD guidelines.” Pierce said that equipment shortages have compelled the league into being creative in sourcing catchers’ gear and other items. The league has also struggled with finding a solution to keep all three snack bars open for the season. For now, they will remain closed. Regular practices teach and build upon fundamental softball and baseball skills. Warmups, pep talks, drills, skill-based exercises, scrimmages and batting practice are common. ALL typically keeps team rosters at nine to 13 players – with each age bracket, a total of 935 kids will play this year. “I’ve been playing since kindergarten and I’m in fifth-grade this year,” student Caden Lewis said. “It’s a fun sport and I get to play with all my friends. We once got introduced at a Diamondbacks game!” “We are always guiding our players toward the tools they need to succeed in life, both on and off the field, such as sportsmanship, team play, respect and fairness,” Pierce said. “We allow players to experience valuable life lessons, how to act as winners, and how to learn from failure.” This is Pierce’s third season as president and 13th year with the league. “In 2020, the board prepared as they normally would, and unfortunately, had to cancel. It put a strain on the league and volunteers. Not only were we worried about our families, jobs, and the world around us, we were trying to keep alive a little league that our community loves and our children need,” Pierce said. Pierce explained that many Arizona little leagues never reopened because of financial strain. “The reason we were able to reopen in 2021 and 2022 is because of our banner donors, families that opted out of their partial refunds, and all the managers that gave back equipment so we could reuse. I am so proud and grateful for the volunteers; without them, this league would not exist,” she said. Arcadia Little League uses nine fields across three locations: Camelback Christian Church, Echo Canyon and Ingleside Middle School. Catcher Jalen Knighton said his favorite part of being on the team is getting to play with his friends and rooting for their teams. “My favorite memories are winning the state championship and going undefeated in the tournament,” he said. Pierce also mentioned that ALL is looking for volunteers. Current opportunities include commissioner, communication officer, director of concessions, player agent, scholarship committee and social media officer. “At the most basic level, baseball is America’s sport,” Pierce said. “It is easy to get lost in all of the grown-up concerns, but in the end, kids just want to be kids and play baseball. It’s a simple and powerful joy to see our players return year after year and grow within our little league community while building lifelong memories.” arcadialittleleague.com Sixty-five years of fast balls, home runs and fun Arcadia Little League’s 2021 All-Star team. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHERI PIERCE 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. 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