Softball Recap: Maricopa Comes Up Short

Maricopa had lost six straight on the road dating back to last season, but on Tuesday they dropped down to 4-11 to make it seven. They came up short against the Ironwood Ridge Nighthawks, falling 12-2. The Rams were not able to make up for their loss to the Nighthawks from their previous meeting back in April of 2025.

Alanee Calderon made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and one double.

As for Ironwood Ridge, they moved to 8-9 with that victory, which also ended their five-game losing streak. The result was nothing new for the Nighthawks, who have now won seven matchups by six runs or more so far this season.

On Ironwood Ridge's side, Hayden Nixon made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching five innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits. Nixon was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one double and one RBI. Those three hits gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Evangeline Quezada was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with three RBI, one triple, and one double. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2025. The team also got some help courtesy of Joliee Romero, who went 2-for-3 with one home run.

Looking ahead, Maricopa will challenge Catalina Foothills at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. As for Ironwood Ridge, they will take on Sahuarita at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.