The Buckeye Hawks are taking a road trip to challenge the Verrado Vipers at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Both teams are coming into the contest red-hot, with Buckeye sitting on eight straight victories and Verrado on 12.
On Thursday, Buckeye got the win against Youngker by a conclusive 17-7. The Hawks might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 11 matches by eight runs or more this season.
Caleila Kaluna
| 04/03/25 @ Youngker | 6 |
| 03/25/25 vs Desert Edge | 5 |
| 03/19/25 vs North | 2 |
| 03/14/25 vs Coconino | 0 |
| 03/10/25 @ Casa Grande | 2 |
| + 6 more games |
Caleila Kaluna made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over six innings while giving up four earned (and three unearned) runs off six hits (and not a single walk). That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April of 2024. She was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-4. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games she's played.
In other batting news, Mione McCoy was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with three runs, one triple, and one double. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Kaleikaumaka Ellis, who scored three runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-5.
Buckeye kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 16 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least nine hits in six consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Verrado made easy work of North Canyon on Thursday and carried off a 16-1 win. Considering the Vipers have won nine contests by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Like Buckeye, Verrado also got a great game from a two-way player: Jill Ryan. She struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and not a single walk). Ryan was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI and two doubles.
In other pitching news, Julie Lashley looked comfortable as she tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits.
Back at the plate, Verrado got a massive performance out of Faith Grabau, who scored four runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-3. Dakota Chazaro was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three runs, three RBI, and one triple.
Verrado pushed their record up to 12-1 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.8 runs on average over those games. As for Buckeye, their record is now 11-3.
Monday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Buckeye has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .504. However, it's not like Verrado struggles in that department as they've averaged .544. 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.
