Jaime Lain is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Heritage Academy for AZPreps365.com.

The expectations in regards to the Heritage Academy Heroes softball have not changed.

As back-to-back state champions, the Heroes entered this season knowing every opponent would give them its best shot. On Tuesday afternoon in the Cesar Chavez Fields, Heritage showed why it continues to be one of the most feared teams of the league, dominating the Chandler Prep Titans in a 17-0 shutout due to their power at the plate and control in the circle.

“It’s just good to get back on the field and get some game action in and get the season going,” Steve LaDrigue said. “Getting a win was great in the first game.”

For a team used to playing in the postseason, the opening game still showed importance. After months away from the game, softball is back and the Heroes wasted no time getting back to rhythm on both sides of the ball.

While a third straight state title is on the minds of many around the team, Ladrigue made it clear the team is focused on going one step at a time.

“It’s always definitely a goal,” he said about the possibility of a three-peat. “But first and foremost, our goal is to win our region. Our goal is to be the best we can be when we get to the playoffs. Then our goal is to win the state championship. 

“One step at a time. But I absolutely think we have the players and the ability to go compete for another state championship.”

The statement shows the culture inside the program, there is confidence but the team is still aware of the steps required to get there.

Junior pitcher and one of the twins of the team Sieana Soltero, wearing No. 7, opened the season by striking out the side. Her pitching was on fire early in the game and kept the Titans off balance all afternoon with 7 strikeouts in the first 3 innings. 

Soltero said she felt great stepping into the circle to begin the new season.

“Feeling great,” she said. “It’s a good start to the season knowing we’re able to beat any team, and our chemistry is just really good.”

When asked about her pitching and leading off at bat, which ignited the offense, Sieana Soltero stated,
“I like pitching,” she said. “It takes control of the field in a way, and leading off shows my team that we can just hit off any pitcher.”

Soltero turned the heat up with a double in the bottom of the first. After a walk by Gloriann Blanco, Sieana’s twin sister Savana Soltero launched a three-run home run to give the Heroes a 3-0 lead. Amaya LaDrigue later added a triple as Heritage increased the advantage to 5-0.

The second inning was crucial. Sieana Soltero collected her second double of the night before No. 24 Gloriann Blanco, committed to Southwestern Baptist, hit a home run to extend the lead to 7-0. Rowan Asanovich, No. 4 and an Arizona State commit, continued with a double of her own as the offense kept on going. Christina Martinez and Blanco each added RBI hits as the Heroes took the score into double digits.

“We came ready to play,” stated Rowan Asanovich. “The team chemistry is really good, and a lot of us have been playing together since we were 10 so we grew up with each other.”

Chandler Prep’s best chance came when No. 11 recorded a double, but Soltero quickly ended the threat. Heritage’s defense remained strong, with the pitcher not giving the Titans a chance.

The Heroes continued adding runs through great hits and aggressive baserunning. LaDrigue gave a two-RBI single later in the game, making the score 15-0 before Heritage closed out the 17-0 victory.

The Heroes will be facing the Gilbert Classical Spartans on Monday at home.