by Coach Brian McNerney
edited by Chris Pfaff, Xavier Sportswriter, and ChatGPT

Your Xavier Gator Softball Team has advanced to the State Finals after a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Sandra Day O’Connor last night!

PITCHING
The Gators were led by a virtuoso performance from freshman pitcher Sydney Root, who dominated the circle with eight strikeouts while allowing just three hits against one of the strongest lineups in the state. Sydney put the team on her back and delivered one of the best performances we’ve seen all season!

OFFENSE
Offensively, the Gators showed grit and resilience against some elite pitching the Eagles.

The game’s first run came in the second inning when junior Leah Jollineau reached base on a sharp comebacker that deflected off the pitcher to the shortstop, who couldn’t make a play. A few batters later, sophomore Joie Ramos hit a strong ground ball to the right side, allowing Leah to score.

An insurance run came in the sixth when Sophomore Angie Falls hit a sharp ground ball to short and legged out an infield single. Junior Ana Matuz Moran entered as a pinch runner for Angie and stole second to move into scoring position. Then, none other than Sydney Root stepped up to the plate and crushed a double to the left-field gap, bringing Ana home to give the Gators a 2-0 lead going into the last inning.

DEFENSE
Defensively, the Gators were flawless, with big plays made at every position.

The outfield was a “no-fly zone,” with Ana Matuz Moran tracking down every ball hit her way — fair or foul. Sophomore Mckenna Hackett was outstanding in center field, chasing down everything that came her way. Leah Jollineau delivered a standout performance last night, making a miraculous diving catch and showing off her cannon of an arm with a dart to third from right field.

The infield was equally spectacular.

Sophomore Sariah McNabb continued to prove why she’s a star at shortstop, making tough plays look routine. Joie Ramos was a brick wall at second base, gobbling up everything hit to the right side. Sophomore Molly Frazier was rock-solid at first base, giving her teammates confidence that any throw her way would stick in the back of her glove. At third, Sophomore Noe Romo was dynamic, showing incredible reflexes and snaring sharply-hit balls down the third base line that looked destined for extra bases.

Behind the plate, senior Riley McKeever reminded everyone why she’s been the best catcher in Arizona for the past four years. One Riley highlight showing pure fortitude and skill was when she made a diving catch on a foul-tip bunt attempt for a crucial out.

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE GAME

The Gators are back in action this Monday, May 19, at 8:00 p.m. at Arizona State University’s Softball Complex.

Come out and cheer on your Gator Softballers as they compete for their second State Title in a row, and fourth in the last five years.

We need you there, and we need you LOUD!