The AZ Heatwave held its own in the USSSA 12u Goliath Regional softball championship in New Mexico.

The Heatwave, a 12u club based out of the Arcadia area, finished in sixth place in a field of 40 teams from all over the Southwest in the late-June tournament. The team won six games and is ready to take on more national competition.

“I am really proud of our girls,” said Heatwave coach Mark Phillips. “The team is young and just getting started at the national level.”

Cassidi Dodgson and Mackenzie Bradford used their bats to propel the Heatwave to victory. Dodgson batted .563 during the Goliath and drove in four runs. Bradford also showed a great eye at the plate, batting .545.

Emma Rodriguez came through in the clutch for the Heatwave, securing one of the team’s game victories with a late triple.

From the circle, youngster Reegan Coleman, an 11-year-old, posted a miniscule 1.89 ERA. Sarah Phillips also pitched well during the tournament, striking out 17 batters to go along with a 2.89 ERA.

The stellar pitching performances were backed up by an equally stellar performance by the Heatwave infield. Catcher Lauren Park, first baseman Sammy Rea, second baseman Skyler Cardoza, third baseman Dodgson and shortstop Stephanie Brioux played solid defense throughout the tournament.

Not to be outdone, outfielders Faith Henson, Sydney Allen and Lainey Stephenson backed up the infield play and stopped 19 batters from scoring.

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