Desert Heights Prep hasn't had much luck against Anthem Prep recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Coyotes will look to defend their home field against the Eagles at 3:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Desert Heights Prep lost a heartbreaker the last time they played Red Rock, but it's fair to say they got their revenge given the result of Friday's game. The Coyotes put the hurt on the Scorpions with a sharp 19-2 win on Friday.
Nicole Bryan
| 04/24/26 @ Red Rock | 4 |
| 03/06/25 @ Maryvale Prep | 3 |
| 03/31/26 @ Maryvale Prep | 2 |
| 03/27/26 vs Antelope | 2 |
| 04/25/25 @ Maryvale Prep | 1 |
Nicole Bryan made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed five innings while giving up just two earned runs off seven hits. Bryan was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. Those four stolen bases gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Bayli Johnson was a standout: she got on base in all four of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Angelina Ferguson was another key player, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI.
Desert Heights Prep was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. They are 7-3 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Anthem Prep had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 9 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Friday. They blew past the Sultans 15-4. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since March 28, 2024, but that streak is no more.
Like Desert Heights Prep, Anthem Prep also got a great game from a two-way player: Grace Stillwell. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out six over six innings pitched. Stillwell has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with four runs and one stolen base.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Charlotte Locke, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. Another player making a difference was Madi Hatfield, who went 2-for-3 with three runs and one RBI.
Anthem Prep's victory bumped their record up to 17-6. As for Desert Heights Prep, their win bumped their record up to 9-7.
Tuesday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Desert Heights Prep hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .471. However, it's not like Anthem Prep struggles in that department as they've averaged .396. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Desert Heights Prep suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to Anthem Prep in their previous meeting back in March. Will the Coyotes 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.
