Phoenix Christian is 2-7 against Northland Prep Academy since March of 2016 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Wednesday. The Cougars will square off against the Spartans at 3:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Phoenix Christian is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They were the clear victors by a 33-4 margin over Fountain Hills on Tuesday. The win was familiar territory for the Cougars, who have now won seven games in a row.
Karly Van Metre
| 03/31/26 @ Fountain Hills | 6 |
| 03/28/26 vs San Miguel | 7 |
| 03/25/26 vs Madison Highland Prep | 9 |
| 03/23/26 @ Scottsdale Christian Academy | 13 |
| 03/16/26 vs Scottsdale Christian Academy | 12 |
| + 2 more games |
Karly Van Metre made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in five of her six plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Hannah Fisher was a standout: she got on base in all six of her plate appearances with three stolen bases, five runs, and two doubles. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in April of 2025. Madison Shores was another key player, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Phoenix Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .816. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in five consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, while Northland Prep Academy put up plenty of runs on Tuesday, the same can't be said for Valley. The Spartans blew past the Pirates 16-0.
Like Phoenix Christian, Northland Prep Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: Ryliegh LaFave. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run over four innings pitched. LaFave was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, Northland Prep Academy let Elysia Martinez and Aliyah Gabrys run wild. Martinez went 1-for-3 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run, while Gabrys went 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. Alana Clark also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Phoenix Christian's record now sits at 14-5. As for Northland Prep Academy, their record is now 4-1.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Phoenix Christian has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .542. However, it's not like Northland Prep Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .647. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Phoenix Christian's way against Northland Prep Academy in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, as Phoenix Christian made off with a 9-2 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Cougars since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
