Katelynn Thun is an NAU School of Communication journalism student assigned to cover softball for AZPreps365.com.

FLAGSTAFF — The No. 1 and the No. 2 teams in the 4A Grand Canyon Region faced off at Flagstaff High School on Monday, April 20 in a game that would ultimately decide the top team in heading into the playoffs. 

The game would be closely contested in the first two innings, with both teams relying on their defense. The Coconino Panthers would take a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the third inning. The offense for the Eagles would begin to erupt in third, scoring six runs to take a 7-2 lead into the fourth inning. 

After the Eagles regained the lead in the bottom of the third inning, Panthers starting pitcher Norah Kennelly was replaced by Jade Sandoval.

The Eagles were able to draw 10 walks in the game against the Panthers.

“We’ve been working hard on being disciplined hitters, being selective on the pitches we swing at,” Eagles head coach Tomas Hernandez said. “It’s been a work in progress, we want the pitcher to put in the work so we’re not swinging at anything out of the zone.” 

The Eagles finished the game with a .261 batting average in 34 total plate appearances for nine runs and six hits. 

Defensively, the Eagles prevented several scoring opportunities, leaving players on base at the end of multiple innings.

Hernandez credits starting pitcher Caliee Culwell for disrupting the Panthers' scoring opportunities. 

“Caliee Culwell had a significant amount of balls that were hit back to her,” Hernandez said. “It was the location that we were throwing the pitches.” 

With just two games remaining in the regular season, the Eagles look to carry their momentum into the playoffs and not lose focus with the region already being won.

Flagstaff and Coconino will face off again on Wednesday at Coconino High School. Hernandez stressed the importance of Wednesday’s game.

“Coconino is the defending state champion so we definitely can’t overlook the next game,” Hernandez said. “Kimberly Dennis has been doing great things at Coconino for a long time so I know she’ll make adjustments and she’ll come ready so we just have to do the same.” 

Connectivity is also a large point of emphasis for the Eagles. 

“Just staying together as a team, working together and just being there for each other,” sophomore Molly Speer said regarding what it will take for the Eagles to carry this momentum into the postseason.