"Go get what we've been waiting for for 4 years. Go get it. And the most important part, do it with a smile on your face." That was Salpointe Softball head coach, Amy Baray-Rocha's message after the Lancers defeated the defending 4A state champs in CDO 2-0 on Thursday.
Anjolee Aguilar pitched a 3-hit shut out against the defending champs. But it was Yannira Acuna, the senior centerfielder that will be playing softball for ASU next year, who got the scoring underway with a leadoff walk in the 4th inning. She would eventually get the Lancers on the board first later that inning. Acuna said she knew that was the inning they would get some runs on the board. Admittedly nervous in the state semi-final game, Acuna says she didn't quite feel comfortable in the box. But, today's win was all about team-first, even against the defending champs. "We were just ready. We didn't really care who we played," said Acuna. "We were just ready to play whoever was up. We don't play for ourselves. That's what we do when we go to club ball, to showcase ourselves for college coaches. When we come for high school ball, we play for Salpointe Catholic."
Rocha added, that she was thrilled that her seniors will get to return to the state title game for the first time since they were freshman. Rocha added, "These girls are not here for themselves. They play for each other, whatever they have to do they're selfless. And that, I think, is what's carried them all season long."
Salpointe will play in the state title game on Tuesday, May 15th, against #3 Cactus at Farrington Stadium in Tempe.
