Falcons sneak into playoffs
by Jason Stone

CCUSD – Well, look who might be going to state after all. Despite a record that normally would make it a long shot to make the 4A‑Division II state tournament, Cactus Shadows’ softball team more than likely qualified last week despite just five wins on the season.

Cactus Shadows (5‑19 overall) likely secured a spot in the state tournament thanks to an upset 6‑2 victory over Notre Dame last week in the first round of the Wells Fargo 2 Region playoffs.

Three teams from each 4A‑II region make state and Cactus Shadows became one of the three with the first‑round win. The Falcons were blown away in the next round at Bradshaw Mountain 15‑0, but it might not matter in terms of a state bid.

“We haven’t been told officially yet that we’re in, but I think it’s looking good,” coach Danica Gianni said.

Cactus Shadows needed to secure one of the top three spots in the region because its overall power ranking of 17 was one spot out of the 16‑team state tournament field.

“I was really proud of the way the girls battled,” coach Danica Gianni said about the Notre Dame win. “They were very upbeat after the game.”

Nikki Horton struck out nine batters and held Notre Dame to only three hits as the Falcons won their first game over Notre Dame in four tries this season. Cactus Shadows struck out 16 times, but still was able to emerge victorious.                               

“The great thing about this game was that the girls came out hitting back‑to‑back‑to‑back,” Gianni said.

Three consecutive singles scored two runs in the first inning to set the tone for the Falcons. Tera Bronis was hit by a pitch to start the sixth, beginning a three‑run inning. Ericka Cedarstrom double was the big blow in the inning. Run‑scoring singles by sophomore Alli Bernard and junior Micki Shannon in the seventh inning finished the scoring.