The Mesquite Wildcats will square off against the Cactus Shadows Falcons at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. The timing isn't great for Mesquite: they have been struggling with seven straight losses at home, while Cactus Shadows has snatched up six consecutive wins on the road.
Having struggled with five defeats in a row, Mesquite turned things around against Thunderbird on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 21-5 margin over the Titans. The Wildcats not only won on Friday, but they posted their biggest win since March 1st (when they won 22-6).
Zoe Cuevas was a major factor no matter where she played. She tossed 4.1 innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. What's more, she posted four strikeouts, the most she's had since back in March. She was even better at the plate, getting on base in five of her six plate appearances with three runs.
Layla Ontiveros
| 04/18/25 @ Thunderbird | 2 |
| 03/10/25 vs Cholla | 0 |
| 02/26/25 @ Estrella Foothills | 5 |
In other pitching news, Layla Ontiveros looked comfortable as she tossed 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, she posted two strikeouts, the most she's had since back in February.
Back at the plate, Mia Gutierrez and Jasmine Jaramillo did most of the damage at the plate: Gutierrez went 4-for-5 with three runs, four RBI, and two doubles, while Jaramillo went 2-for-5 with five RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. That's the most hits Gutierrez has posted since back in February. Another player making a difference was Savannah Magallanez, who went 3-for-5 with two runs, two doubles, and one stolen base.
Mesquite kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 19 hits. They are 6-3 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Cactus Shadows). They put the hurt on St. Mary's with a sharp 19-4 victory on Wednesday. The Falcons haven't had any issues with the Knights recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.
Cactus Shadows also got a great performance from Megan Hughes as she tossed six innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits. Hughes has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 14 consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Cactus Shadows let Madi Handke and Bailey Fitzmaurice run wild. Handke went 3-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and two doubles, while Fitzmaurice went 4-for-5 with three runs, four RBI, and one stolen base. Olivia Fossey was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Mesquite's victory bumped their record up to 6-14. As for Cactus Shadows, their win bumped their record up to 18-9.
Monday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Mesquite hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .409. However, it's not like Cactus Shadows struggles in that department as they've averaged .365. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
