The Phoenix Christian Cougars will square off against the Thunderbird Titans at 8:00 a.m. on Friday. Phoenix Christian knows how to get runs on the board -- the team has finished with ten runs or more in their past three matchups -- so hopefully Thunderbird likes a good challenge.
Phoenix Christian hadn't beaten Arizona Lutheran Academy on the road since April 21, 2017 but that history sure didn't bother them on Thursday. The Cougars put the hurt on the Coyotes with a sharp 16-2 win. The victory continues a trend for the Cougars in their matchups with the Coyotes: they've now won three in a row.
Karly Van Metre
| 03/05/26 @ Arizona Lutheran Academy | 1 |
| 03/03/26 @ Tonopah Valley | 1 |
| 03/02/26 vs Red Rock | 0 |
Karly Van Metre made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Yashaley Garay was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base. Hannah Fisher was another key player, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
Phoenix Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .605. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Arizona Lutheran Academy only posted an OBP of .263.
Meanwhile, Thunderbird got themselves on the board against Dysart on Thursday, but Dysart never followed suit. They walked away with a 5-0 win over the Demons.
Phoenix Christian's victory bumped their record up to 3-0. As for Thunderbird, their win bumped their record up to 3-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Phoenix Christian has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.3 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Thunderbird struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
