Madison Sorenson is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Campo Verde High School for AZPreps365.com.

GILBERT — Campo Verde softball opened regional play against Notre Dame Preparatory with its first home game of the season on March 3. 

The Campo Verde Coyotes looked to avenge themselves after last season, where they dropped both games to the Notre Dame Prep Saints 11-9 and 5-2. 

The Coyotes ended last season fifth in the 5A East Sky region with an 11-19 overall record and a 4-8 region record. The Saints finished second in the region last season with a 21-9 overall record and a 9-3 region record.

Both teams enter the season after losing a significant number of seniors — Campo Verde graduating eight and Notre Dame Prep graduating seven. 

Campo Verde softball head coach Joseph Delsante said they were able to add more seniors to their roster this season, but are looking to their younger players to fill many positions.  

Stepping into the 2026 season, Campo Verde softball has many holes to fill and with that, they look to identify who they are as a team. 

“It’s always hard in the beginning of the season because you don’t know what your team is yet,” Delsante said. “Are we a power hitting team? Are we a speed team? Are we a defensive team? That still needs to be figured out.”

While they look to build stability among a new group of girls, Campo Verde does bring back experience within its pitching staff. 

Addyson Armstrong was the go-to pitcher for the Coyotes last season, making 26 appearances in the circle. As a junior, Armstrong had a 7-14 record with a 6.48 ERA. 

Now entering her senior season as a captain, Armstrong said her goal is to limit her walks this season. She’s also stepping up as a leader for the pitching staff, as Campo Verde provides Armstrong with some help in the circle. 

“I’m super pumped because last year we didn’t have much of a pitching staff,” Armstrong said. “I’m just really excited to have more girls and build our team.”

Freshman Molly Davis adds depth to the Coyotes’ pitching staff and helps ease Armstrong’s workload. 

While Campo Verde brings back its ace, Notre Dame Prep graduated its star pitcher Marley Caldwell. Caldwell led the team with 25 appearances, an 18-5 record, and had a 1.44 ERA. 

On the offensive side, Campo Verde brings back senior outfielder and captain Anna Zehring. Last year in her junior season, Zehring led the team with five home runs, 37 hits and 39 RBIs. 

Heading into this matchup, Zehring said Campo Verde needs to outhit the Saints while making sure their defense is “on point.” 

According to Zehring, physical preparation is not the only focus they need to have going into this matchup.

“We need to make sure that we’re locking in, we’re thinking about the game, we’re taking mental reps,” Zehring said. 

Campo Verde will look to sophomore captain Ava Forsythe, sophomore Amaya Hernandez and other younger talent to contribute offensively in this game as well. 

Notre Dame Prep graduated it offensive leader, Sammy Swords. However, it does return Daelynn Flowers and Kendall Gillham. 

With several new players, Campo Verde’s success will come down to its fundamentals.

“In my eyes, we need to pitch well and play defense,” Delsante said. “That’s really what’s most important.”