Roman Martinez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Xavier College Prep for AZPreps365.com.

Xavier College Preparatory softball defeated rival Hamilton High School 2-0 at Petznick Field on Friday night. The Gators were hosting their final regular-season home game of the year on a night where they honored graduating players who have contributed so much to the program.  

The pre-game excitement buzzed through the stands as the crowd gathered to see its star-studded seniors play at home one last time. Providing cut-outs of the impending graduates, custom-made t-shirts with players' last names and multiple chants of support, the home crowd did all it could to make the momentous occasion special.

With much to play for, Hamilton came into this matchup against the Gators third in the 6A Premier Region. Meanwhile, having conceded only one loss at home and holding down the No. 2 spot in the 6A Premier Region, Xavier looked to continue its excellent form heading into the 6A AIA State Playoffs.

As the game got off to a slow start, several challenges were offered offensively due to great pitching and defensive work from both sides. Xavier freshman phenom Angie Falls had a strong appearance on the mound despite suffering from a knee injury a few games prior.

On the other side, Huskies junior pitcher Liliana Russo made the game difficult for the hosts, notching a total of seven strikeouts. 

It wasn’t until the sixth inning, with the game tied, that senior center fielder Lauren Putz stepped up to the plate with determination etched on her face. Putz, who went 3-for-3 on the night, sent the ball sailing past second base for a single. 

Igniting a roar of applause from the stands, senior first baseman Sofia Zielinski followed suit, smacking another base hit. 

With Falls then up at the plate, the game became more interesting after a pitching error from Russo advanced runners to second and third. Continuing her at-bat, Falls unleashed a hit that sent the ball soaring into the outfield. Cheers erupted as the runners raced around the bases, but it was still a 0-0 ballgame.

As Putz rounded third and barreled toward home, the Hamilton catcher stood poised, ready to make the play. In a flash of motion, the ball met the glove, and Putz was tagged out after missing the plate on her slide to home.

Now with two outs and the game hanging in the balance, freshman Joie Ramos stepped up to the plate and stole to show on Senior Night. Remaining composed, the youngster sent the ball soaring into the sky, a pop fly that seemed to hang in the air for an eternity.

The crowd held its breath as the ball just went over the outstretched glove of Hamilton’s shortstop, dropping to the ground as two runners dashed across home plate, making it 2-0 and sealing the Gators' victory.

“In that last inning we just adjusted to the pitcher," Ramos said after coming up clutch in the game. "Lauren, Sofia, and Angie did a great job of getting on base and it just gave me an opportunity to bring them in and score.”

For the graduating players, Senior Night was not just about the game itself, but about the bonds of friendship and camaraderie that had carried them through every victory and defeat. As they stood arm in arm, they knew that no matter where life took them, they would always be united as Gators. 

“They’ve been here since day one and have been tremendous to reinforce the culture here and keep it going, which in and of itself is so important. And not only are these five seniors great players, but they’re great people," coach Bradley Downes said. "They show immense character each day and are always there for their teammates so I’m excited to see where the future takes them.”

“We had five freshmen start in the infield tonight, so you could see their immediate impact in their defensive playing abilities," assistant coach Tom Sahhar said. "I have no doubt that the team is in good shape moving forward.

"Joie’s a true competitor. She’s probably the smallest player on this team and most of the teams she’s played on but as far as her fight and spirit, she’s got a huge heart and is as big of a competitor as we’ve ever seen here at Xavier”.

The Gators will again face Hamilton on Monday at 3:45 p.m. in the regular-season finale. Then it's off to the 6A playoffs for both squads.