The ALA - Queen Creek Patriots will face off against the Flagstaff Eagles at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
On Thursday, ALA - Queen Creek made easy work of Combs and carried off a 16-1 victory. The win continues a trend for the Patriots in their matchups with the Coyotes: they've now won seven in a row.
Chloe Varvel
| 04/10/25 vs Combs | 2 |
| 03/31/25 vs Eastmark | 1 |
| 03/22/25 vs Bradshaw Mountain | 1 |
| 02/27/25 vs ALA - Ironwood | 1 |
| 03/25/24 @ ALA - Gilbert North | 1 |
Chloe Varvel was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed four innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. Varvel was even better at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 3-for-3. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Taelyn Ehmke and Sadie Nielson did most of the damage at the plate: Ehmke went 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs, while Nielson scored four runs and stole three bases while going 3-for-3. Nielson is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Peyton Gosnell, who scored a run while going 2-for-3.
ALA - Queen Creek always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .710. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Combs only posted an OBP of .250.
Flagstaff hadn't beaten Bradshaw Mountain on the road since May 5, 2021 but that history sure didn't bother them on Thursday. The Eagles blew past the Bears 17-1. The victory was nothing new for the Eagles as they're now sitting on six straight.
Mia Garcia made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out nine batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. Garcia was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. That home run was her first of the season.
In other batting news, Lucy Lansens was a standout: she scored a run while going 2-for-3. She also put up a double, which was her first of the season. Mayla Speer was another key player, scoring two runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
Flagstaff's win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 10-6-1. The road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.7 runs on average over those games. As for ALA - Queen Creek, the win got them back to even at 11-11.
Saturday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. ALA - Queen Creek has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .497. However, it's not like Flagstaff struggles in that department as they've averaged .479. 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.
