Three in a row. That three-peat was accomplished by the Joseph City Wildcats with their 18-2 runaway win over Superior in the 1A state title game on Monday afternoon.
The game played at Grand Canyon University was basically over after the first inning. Second seeded Joseph City pounded in 9 runs in the first inning alone, jumping on top of the top seeded Panthers. By the time it was over in just five innings, all five of the Wildcat starters had scored at least one time.
As they have done for much of their high school careers the Neill twins were the catalyst for their third straight title. Audrey scored once and had 4 RBI. Sister Amber scored 3 runs and knocked in 2 RBI. The two combined for five state championships at Joseph City. Three in a row in softball, and two in a row in basketball.
The title win was the 11th for Joseph City dating back to their first in 1998. They are just one shy of the record of 12 held currently by Seton Catholic High School.
Lorelai Sander was the MVP of the championship game. She was the starting pitcher and like the twins, she now has three softball titles under her belt. She, and her defense held Superior to just 2 runs in the final game. The Panthers came into this game averaging over 12 runs per game.
This was the second time Joseph City had defeated Superior this year. However, due to the structure of power points they were still seeded below them, although clearly the Wildcats were the better team. Superior’s only two losses of the season came against Joseph City.
Joseph City’s senior heavy roster pounded out 13 hits in the win. Amber Niell went 3 for 3 with a double. Audrey Neill was 2 for 4; Lorelai Sander, 2 for 2; Jaydianna Kinlicheenie, 1 for 3; Paige Warner, 1 for 2; Raylee Fish, 1 for 4; and McKenzie Jesmer was 1 for 4.
Sander pitched off five innings in the circle. She allowed just 2 runs on 6 hits with 2 strikeouts and no walks, getting the championship win.
The Wildcats posted a 20-9 season overall.
