The Trojan softball team has begun to create a name for themselves as they have taken 4 victories in the past couple weeks. They took on the Winslow Bulldogs at home for their first game of the season on March 3rd. Last year Winslow was the 3A State runner up, so the VC girls came into the game ready to put up a fight. The Trojans started off their game strong when the sophomore second baseman, Addi Ballantyne, made a running catch into the outfield. That play set the tone for the rest of the game. The starting pitcher, junior Bree Hanzal, was stellar on the mound as she only gave up one hit and even had 8 strikeouts throughout the entirety of the game. With some key hits, the Trojans were able to end the game with a score of 5-0. This game was just the beginning of their success.
Three days later, on March 8th, the Trojans got ready to take on the ALA – Ironwood Warriors at home. The girls were preparing all week as it was going to be one of the tougher region games. The team showed up big late in the game led by Bree Hanzal's two home runs and Kat Hanson's 3 run homerun in the 5th inning. The Trojans won their second game of the season 10-1. Hanzal also led the Trojans on the mound only giving up 3 hits and giving up no earned runs. The girls played great defense as well, with few errors and a great diving catch by 1st baseman, junior Caymen Ferber.
The girls did not stop there. On March 22nd the Trojans played against the Gilbert Christian Knights which also ended in success. The girls took a whopping victory of 18-1 against the Knights. Bree Hanzal and Kat Hanson shared the mound and both found great success. Bree Hanzal kept her momentum at the plate from the past games and pulled out another homerun. The whole team was very successful hitting, with some great hits by Kat Hanson, Victoria Clark, and Eliana Mueller. This game also served as great opportunity for some underclassman to get some minutes in different positions. Both freshmen, Rylan Ernst and Taylor Diehl, got their shot behind the plate and showed everyone their catching abilities.
Then in their most recent game on March 24th the team took the drive to Globe to play in their 4th game of the season. After a close 3 innings, the Trojans found their groove in the 4th inning scoring 8 runs led by Abbey Mello's single, a double by Libby Juist, a double by Kat Hanson, who went 4-4, and a 3-run homerun by Victoria Clark. The Trojans were led on the mound again by Bree Hanzal who went 5 innings only giving up 6 hits, 0 earned runs, 1 walk, and 9 strikeouts!
The whole team is ready with anticipation to face their next opponent and continue in their season. When asked about the opening games Coach Fraley responded with "overall, we have taken care of business. We have a long way to go and are working very hard to build Valley Christian into a softball powerhouse!". Fraley also mentioned that "winning games that you're capable of winning and competing tough in those you shouldn't win helps build that process and I'm just happy to be a part of it". The Trojans are looking forward to the rest of the season and the great things they have the opportunity to accomplish.
