SCOTTSDALE
The region and state softball
tournaments are almost here. What will become of Chaparral?
The Firebirds are young - with only one senior and two juniors. But they
survived some early-season struggles and developed into a strong team down
the final stretch of the regular season.
The team was 18-9 entering this week, the final week of the regular season.
While first-year coach Brad Goddes is optimistic,
he isn't ready to turn cartwheels just yet.
"By no means are we a dominant team," he said. "We're getting
better, we're working hard, and that helps bring results."
Chaparral struggled in tournaments at Bullhead City Mohave and Desert Mountain, but it learned from playing
tough competition, Goddes said.
"They saw what it takes to reach that level, and they want to get
there," he said.
"We were out of the Mohave tournament, but the girls didn't want to go
home right away. They wanted to stay and see the championship game between (Glendale) Cactus and Keller, Texas.
Those teams are ranked very high nationally. That shows you they're trying to
learn whatever they can."
Chaparral's program has a strong tradition, established by long-time coach
Jeff Oscarson, who stepped down after the 2004
season. Goddes is the third coach in three years.
"Our girls know all about the tradition," said Goddes,
who has been the junior-varsity softball coach and a football assistant at
Chaparral.
"They had older siblings who played here, and some of them know Jeff
because he was, and still is, a coach and teacher at one of our middle
schools."
There is another tie to Oscarson - his son-in-law,
Wes Little, is Goddes' assistant.
This group of Firebirds is developing its own identity to blend in with the
tradition.
"There are no huge standouts for the team - different people step up all
the time," Goddes said.
A good example came last week in a home game against Cottonwood Mingus. The game was scoreless, with freshman pitcher
Elizabeth Hudson doing her part, until the bottom of the sixth inning, when a
two-run double by freshman catcher Caitlin Melynchenko
put Chaparral ahead. The team held on for a 2-0 victory.
Remember Melynchenko's name. She appeared to work
well with Hudson,
had a strong arm and displayed good leadership skills.
Hudson also
should be a factor over the next few years. She moved over from third base
after an injury to another pitcher. Chaparral figures to have two strong
pitchers in the future with Hudson and Mackenzie Popescue,
also a freshman this season.
Another player who has excelled despite changing positions is sophomore
Kennedy Byxbee, who moved from outfield to
shortstop. She forms a formidable middle-infield combination with sophomore
second baseman Tessa Braga. Braga's sister, Kaitlin, is the
right fielder and the team's lone senior.
Reach the reporter at (602) 444-8004.
