Nine weeks ago, the Gilbert high school softball began the season on a back field at Mesa Red Mountain’s Lion Country Classic tournament loaded with expectations.
It wasn’t a pretty sight when the Tigers lost 5-2 to Gilbert Mesquite.
Tigers coach Shaundra Gutierrez repeatedly referenced how far this team was from being a polished product. Every school says that, and most of the time it’s true, but it sounded odd because nearly every player from last year’s Fiesta Region title team was back.
Gutierrez was right. On Wednesday, the Tigers avenged a loss to Mesquite a couple weeks ago in the final game of the regular season to win a second consecutive Fiesta title.
At 15-3, the Tigers are almost assured a better start to this weekend’s state tournament than the No. 8 seed they earned last season. While waiting for a few other results to come in and Thursday games to play out, it’s looking like a top-5 seed is coming.
There were hiccups throughout the latter stages of the Red Mountain tournament, plus against Chandler and Chandler Hamilton of late, but the Tigers have won five straight heading into the tournament.
Bailey Blake is as good a leadoff hitter and fielder as there is in the East Valley, but there are no mashers in the lineup. Tiffanee Frampton and Alexa Redman, Alex Vela and Elysia Mesa are also solid, but there are no mashers.
Michelle Duncan and Frampton are good pitchers and their defense has been much better the last month.
The Tigers do nothing fancy, but they keep winning.
Wow. This article says nothing… A recap of the whole season? Surely there is much more to say about this team. How about a mention of Duncan’s awesome pitching last night to lead them to that 2nd consecutive Fiesta title? Instead her and Frampton just get “…good pitchers and their defense has been better the last month.” Let’s give these kids the credit they deserve. I didn’t see the coach doing much this season.
Hey, Penelope. There is nothing great about Gilbert except their ability to play as a team and pick each other up. Yes, Duncan and Framton are good pitchers. But their solid defense makes them better. Coach may not be liked by the parents or players but she certainly gets them to play hard. If they are playing hard for her or each other is not important.
Penelope
I have to agree with Fiesta dad. You are lucky to have a women coach with experience and one who can bring a team together. Duncan did a good job but you forgot to mention the numerous errors that Mesquite made which basically gave you the game. Your girls as a team were focused.