40 MAY 2026 By AJ Stone With spring comes the return of baseball and softball, and Arcadia-area teams took to the field with experienced rosters, high expectations and several key matchups. Teams at Arcadia High, Brophy and Xavier were ready for a season full of excitement and new highs – and that’s just what they found!  BASEBALL After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2025, Arcadia baseball returned this season with a motivated roster and renewed focus. Head Coach Jeffrey Fierro was optimistic about what the team could accomplish. “I empathize with players because I remember how challenging the game can be from time to time,” Coach Fierro said. “What I have no nonsense for is lazy behavior that harms the culture of what we are trying to build at Arcadia.” The senior class was stacked this season, returning players Brock Segui, Grant Erickson, Hank Jensen, and Nico Leale. Juniors Hayden Oleshansky and Harrison Ladner, who were both key contributors in 2025, returned. Coach Fierro also noted that the Titans brought in some transfers he was excited about. For him, the most anticipated games on the schedule are the team’s region matchups. “We play in a very challenging region with Saguaro, Cactus Shadows, Mesquite, and St. Mary’s, so I looked forward to those games,” he said. As of press time, the Titans were at 8-14 in the 4A Desert Sky division. SOFTBALL Arcadia softball returned for the 2026 season with high hopes and a determination to build on last year’s experience. “Our main goal for this season was to win our region,” Coach Jason Foster said. “We learned a lot from having a very tough schedule last year.” Senior pitcher Abby Verstegen (Seton Hall commit) lead the Desert Sky region in ERA, wins, batters struck out, and no hitters, while senior third baseman Olivia Baumgardner (Hope College commit) and junior shortstop Sydney Kelley also helped lead the team’s successes. “Sydney possesses great speed on the bases and excellent defense, and junior centerfielder Jane Ord is widely regarded as one of the best defensive outfielders in the state,” Foster said. The Lady Titans were on track to make a run to the 4A state playoffs at press time, with a 21-5 record, ranked seventh in conference and first in their region – with hopes to win region for the second time in two years. They were also runners-up at the Apollo High School Cool Nites tournament. In a fitting tribute to the end of the season, this year’s team all participated in Arcadia Little League – most even played together at some point.  The Broncos finished 16-13 overall (5-3 in region) last year and aimed to carry that momentum forward with another strong campaign. Alumni Coach Josh Garcia was at the helm. Preseason rankings had Brophy at No. 2 in Arizona, and they lived up to the hype by slaying the dragon that is nationally ranked Casteel by a score of 5-2 in March. “Casteel is a really good program and well-coached, so getting a win like that early in the season was a good challenge for our group,” Garcia said. On offense, Brophy returned junior shortstop Dre Eithier (Miami commit) and senior catcher Jonah Castle (St. Mary’s commit). Both headline a Broncos lineup that started with a 7-0 record for the first time since 2015. Ronan O’Brien has shone on the mound. After a 2025 season in which he went 4-1 with a 1.87 ERA in 11 appearances, he’s gotten off on the right foot in 2026 by starting 2-0. The Broncos entered the final two weeks of the season among the top five teams in the state. They were 14-5 as of press time, competing in the All Faiths Classic in Las Vegas and hosting the 35th annual Adam Donnenfield Classic, with their final three games against Desert Vista, Sunnyslope and Notre Dame Prep. “We hope to be the type of team that will be successful when we play with discipline and compete the way we expect,” Garcia said.  Xavier softball was off to a strong start in 2026, picking up early wins over Horizon and Casteel. Co-head coach Sydnie Steffen said the team learned a great deal from last year’s games. “We learned lessons of perseverance and are continuing to grow,” she said. “We learned that winning a State Championship takes everyone, and that everyone on the team has an important and valuable role.” Xavier looks to take this newfound approach and apply it to upcoming games. According to Coach Steffen, the coaching style presented is “positive and encouraging.” Returning players included Sydney Root, Angie Falls, Sariah McNabb, and Joie Ramos, all of whom contributed to the team’s success of 23-4 at press time. The Gators are ranked first in the 6A Central region and hope to make a successful run as AIA playoffs begin May 2. Arcadia-area teams shine on the diamond Little League Softball alumni now making an impact at their high schools. Their achievements include Academic All-State honors, all-conference and all- state selections, state championships, and college scholarship offers. Best ff ers. Best ff of luck to each of you as you head into the playoffs—we’re cheering ff s—we’re cheering ff you on every step of the way! Congratulations to the many Arcadia Little League Softball alumni now