It’s been six years since the 2A has seen a repeat softball champion, with five different clubs claiming a title since the 2018 campaign.

Benson won back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018, then lost 10-7 to Camp Verde in 2019, which started a string of four new champions crowned in five years, minus the cancelled season of 2020 due to COVID-19.

In 2021, River Valley beat Benson 3-2, Round Valley capped an incredible run in 2022 with a 12-2 win over Kingman Academy and Horizon Honors came from nowhere as a No. 8 seed to hoist the trophy after a 4-3 win over Northland Prep a season ago.

So, who will it be this year? The 2A Softball State Championships get underway April 27.

HERITAGE ACADEMY LAVEEN

The Heroes (22-3, 9-1 2A West) claimed a region title this spring and as a Top 8 seed will look to make their way to Farrington Softball Stadium at Arizona State University in Tempe come May 6.

Steve Ladrigue’s group has won 10 of its last 11 ballgames and can point to key wins over Round Valley (March 13, 14-12), Mohave Accelerated (March 23, 9-1 and 15-4) and Phoenix Christian (March 18, 20-1) on their resume in 2024.

“Coming off last season, we fell one game short of the state championship as we lost to Northland Prep in the semifinals. We lost a few key players last year, including our two pitchers. This year we have a few strong freshmen making a big impact,” Ladrigue said.

Those freshmen include most of the starting infield for Heritage Academy, with third baseman Christina Martinez, shortstop Savana Soltero and second baseman Sieana Soltero going around the horn as likely the youngest starting infield in the state.

Add sophomore Rowan Asanovich to the mix and the four are hitting over .500 with 150-plus RBIs between them.

Asanovich has 10 home runs this season, tied for third overall in the state and with 57 RBIs is second to only Kennedy Lamb of Mohave Accelerated.

“Our team environment is truly something special and unique this year,” Ladrigue said. “Our girls get along very well and are committed to each other and the success of this team.”

HORIZON HONORS

The 2A defending state champs are back for more in 2024 and have logged an impressive offensive campaign this spring, outscoring their opponents 355-67.

Horizon Honors (21-3, 8-0 2A South) upset No. 1-ranked Mohave Accelerated 7-0 a season ago to clear a path to championship glory, finishing off their run with a 6-3 win over Benson and eventually a 4-3 victory over Northland Prep in the title game.

“Without question the team chemistry has been a strength of the team,” coach Mike Corey said. “We’ve really eliminated distractions from the past and everyone is on the same page as far as our goals.”

Led by senior first baseman Alexa Villaverde, who’s hitting .588 this season with three home runs and 29 RBIs, and a sophomore trio that includes Josie Barden (.735 avg-1st in state, 54 RBIs-3rd in state), Audrey Anglada (10 HRs, 37 RBIs) and Nicole Topete (.600 avg, 4 HRs, 31 RBIs), Horizon Honors may be the team to beat in 2A.

ROUND VALLEY

The Elks (20-7, 5-1 2A North) finished one game shy of a region title after losing to St. Johns 6-5 on April 19, seeing their 12-game win streak come to an end.

Round Valley had beaten the Redskins 15-5 earlier in the season on March 18. The victory by St. Johns gave them a Top 8 seed at the final hour.

Led by Anna Arreola, who sports a .507 batting average with eight home runs and 35 RBIs this season, Round Valley will look to score runs in bunches come state playoff time.

“To win the state title we have to explode on offense and be crafty on the bases,” coach Darin Emerald said. “The top five teams are all very capable of winning and I think it’s going to come down to who plays the best that week.”

Freshman Kelci Walker leads the team with 39 hits to go along with her 10 doubles, seven home runs and 30 RBIs. In the circle, Courtney Baca won 17 games this season with a 4.75 ERA in 116-1/3 innings to go along with 98 strikeouts.

“[She] will keep us in the game as long as we give her run support as our defense is our strength,” Emerald said.

OTHER TEAM NOTES

Mohave Accelerated Kennedy Lamb is Top 25 in the nation in home runs with 16 this season, and trails only Lauren Putz (Xavier) and Alexa Yarger (Desert Christian) for the state leader at 17 across all conferences. … Morenci won 20 games this season and claimed a 2A East title for a Top 8 seed in the playoffs. … Phoenix Christian comes into the 2A state playoffs having won 12 straight and are led by Jackie Vega’s .483 average. … Santa Cruz Valley is led by Tatiyana Reyes with a .507 average, five home runs and 25 RBIs. … St. Johns won the 2A North this year and are on a 12-game win streak.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on Twitter @AzPreps365Brian. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.