Veritas softball started the season with a sparkling record of 16 wins and 0 losses and has occupied first place in Arizona Division IV softball all season. The Falcons reinforced their reputation as one of the top teams in Division IV after beating some of the other top softball teams in the state and winning the Salt River Tournament championship on March 29th. Veritas beat Arizona Lutheran 3 to 0 in the semi-finals and claimed the championship with a 6 to 0 victory over Ray High School from Kearny, Arizona. Veritas has outscored their opponents 205 to 6 in their 16 wins this season. In fact, in Division IV, Section III, Veritas has the top 5 RBI leaders (Lainey Stephenson 29, Katie Snyder 25, Kayla Gomez 21, Liz Baier 21 and Akeely Hyland 16) and the top Division IV pitcher in Lainey Stephenson.
The rapid success of Veritas softball can be attributed to a combination of incoming freshman and a seasoned senior class that made it to State three years ago for the first time in Veritas history. Freshman pitcher, Lainey Stephenson is one of the top hurlers and hitters in Arizona in any Division and leads Arizona in Earned Run Average (0.00), Strikeouts (198), and Wins (15). Lainey’s 0.00 ERA is also the best in the United States for 80 innings pitched. She also leads Division IV in Home Runs (5), and RBIs (29). She has thrown 5 no-hitters and 2 perfect games this year and was named MaxPreps National Player of the Week twice for the entire West Region (weeks of March 3rd & March 24th). Lainey’s hitting statistics are very impressive at the halfway point in the season (batting average .642, 10 doubles, 2 triples, 5 home runs, 29 RBIs, and slugging % 1.188). Freshman catcher, Kayla Gomez completes the other half of the best battery in Division IV softball with her rocket arm and powerful bat. Kayla is one of the best catchers in Division IV softball and few runners challenge her strong arm. She is also a great hitter with a .531 average, 10 doubles, 3 triples, 3 home runs, 21 RBIs, and slugging % 1.040). Kayla blasted a long home run over the fence at Scottsdale Community College in the Veritas 10 to 0 victory over Coolidge on March 28th. Other strong freshman players include OF, Akeely Hyland (.366 average, 1 double and 16 RBIs), 3rd baseman, Jacy Morell (.270 average and 5 RBIs) and OF/1st, Madison Morgan (.375 average with 1 double and 4 RBIs).
Junior OF/C, Amanda Myers is having a nice season as well hitting at a .308 clip with 4 RBIs. Junior outfielder, Jordan Diab is batting .250 with 1 home run and 2 RBIs and junior outfielder, Piera Larosa is hitting .300 for the season. Sophomore OF, Stephanie Kendall covers a lot of ground in the outfield with her sure-handed glove and is hitting .200 with 2 RBIs.
The senior softball class at Veritas brings experience and a hunger to return to the Arizona State Championship in May. They include captains, Katie Snyder, Liz Baier and Christy Baier as well as Sierra Blackburn and Liana Germick. First baseman, Katie Snyder brings her leadership and experience after being named All-State Honorable Mention and Best Offensive Player in the Veritas region during 2011 and All-Division in 2012. Katie has been the Veritas Softball MVP for the past three seasons as pitcher/infielder. This year, Katie is having another great season (batting average .511, 6 doubles, 2 triples, 25 RBIs, and slugging % .723). Shortstop, Liz Baier leads Arizona in runs scored with 42 and is having her best season (batting average .564, 6 doubles, 2 home runs, 21 RBIs, slugging % .781). Liz is an excellent shortstop and was named Best Defensive Player in the Veritas region during 2011. Second baseman, Christy Baier is a seasoned softball player who bats at the top of the order because of the way she handles the bat and understands base running. Christy is hitting .372 this year with 6 doubles, 8 RBIs, 20 runs scored and slugging % .511). Third baseman/OF, Liana Germick is hitting .286 with 1 double, 6 RBIs and a .524 on-base %. Second baseman, Sierra Blackburn is hitting .316 with 1 double, 5 RBIs and had some great clutch hitting in the Salt River Tournament championship game.
Veritas softball has unlimited potential for 2014 and is a really fun team to watch so come on out to Papago Park (near Oak & 64th St.) and see the Falcons in action. The Falcons need their fans to support the team as they make their run toward a state championship for Veritas softball.
