The Maryvale Prep Matador will take on the Anthem Prep Eagles at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams are strolling into their games after big wins in their previous games.
On Tuesday, Maryvale Prep made easy work of Madison Highland Prep and carried off a 31-9 victory.
Maryvale Prep got a massive performance out of Ava Ruiz, who scored five runs and stole Two bases. while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Emma Basurto Ibanez, who scored five runs and stole Six bases. while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances.
Maryvale Prep was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .636. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .500 or higher every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Anthem Prep never let their opponents score on Tuesday. Everything went their way against Ray as Anthem Prep made off with a 15-0 win. Considering the Eagles have won three contests by more than 14 runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Bailey McCabe made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out seven over four innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.
In other batting news, Rhyan Cantelme and Addison Evjen did most of the damage at the plate: Cantelme scored three runs and stole Three bases. while going 3-for-3, while Evjen went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. Those three stolen bases gave Cantelme a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Molly McCabe, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double.
Anthem Prep's victory bumped their record up to 3-1. As for Maryvale Prep, they now have a winning record of 2-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Maryvale Prep has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 18 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Anthem Prep struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Maryvale Prep might still be hurting after the 22-0 loss they got from Anthem Prep in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Will Maryvale Prep have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
