Niki Raschke is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Xavier College Prep for AZPreps365.com

It was a hot and sunny afternoon, and the bats were alive as the Xavier Prep Gators softball team defeated the Corona del Sol Aztecs 12-0 on Tuesday at Xavier’s Petznick Field in North Phoenix. 

The defending state champions controlled the game, thanks to a teamwide offensive explosion and a no-hitter from sophomore pitcher Angie Falls. 

After ending at the top of the fifth inning due to the mercy rule, Falls recorded 10 strikeouts in five innings while only allowing two base runners through walks on 82 pitches. She accompanied her performance on the mound with three hits, raising her batting average to .429 this season.

“I think overall we hit our spots well,” Falls said. “Keeves [catcher Riley McKeever] did a great job framing, and I think our team’s offense helped make me confident on the mound.”

McKeever was a big part of Xavier’s offense, racking up a pair of two-run doubles and totaling four RBIs. Sophomore shortstop Sariah McNabb and left fielder Joie Ramos also had multi-hit and multi-RBI games, with two in each category. 

Sophomore center fielder McKenna Hackett recorded a hit and a walk, freshman second baseman Sydney Root drew three walks, and junior Ana Matuz Moran pinch ran and scored twice. 

In total, the Gators rallied 10 hits and eight walks in its four innings of offense. 

“I just think that today we were very together,” McKeever said. “We went out and had fun with the mindset of having a clear headspace.”

Despite the loss, Corona del Sol — coming off a tough 4-14 season last year— has shown life this season. Corona has shown strength with wins over two good 2024 teams, Chaparral and Red Mountain, in the Lion Country Classic invitational.

“We expect Xavier to be our toughest competition so far this season,” Corona del Sol head coach Sean Thornton said before the game. “When they go out there and play with the energy and enthusiasm I know they have, they can compete with anybody.” 

Corona was competitive, putting together good at-bats on offense and pitching. Unfortunately, the Aztecs' hits leader, junior Brooke Sheehan, was inactive, and the gap in the lineup was felt.

Senior catcher Miquela Tammaro and sophomore third baseman Jemma Jones each walked once and were the only baserunners for Corona. 

Junior pitcher Caitlyn Ackerley started, and senior Briseis James finished on the mound for Corona. 

Xavier improved to 6-2 with the win, whereas Corona dropped to 2-2.

While Corona faced its worst loss of the young season, the Aztecs will make adjustments and prepare to play the rematch on its home field.

On the other side, Xavier hopes to continue success in the early season games and repeat last year’s state championship. 

“I look forward to facing them again,” Falls said. “They’re a great team, and I think they really sharpened our pencils and made our skills better when playing them.”