Nick Sanchez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Phoenix Christian High School for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- The Phoenix Christian softball team is coming off a respectable 2019 season in which it posted a 9-6 conference record. The Cougars finished 10-7 overall, good for third in the 2A Valley region, before getting knocked out of the playoffs by conference powerhouse Benson. 

Though getting bounced in 24-0 fashion in the state tournament hurts, there’s a lot to like about this season’s club.

“It starts with really fast players,” said coach Matt Haeger.

Haeger is referring to the most jolting stat of last year’s Cougar squad: 92 stolen bases -- in 19 games. For context, Benson stole just 56 bags in 34 games.

“We usually have the green light from our coaches,” said senior Rebekah Ellis. 

Ellis set a school record with 30 stolen bases last year. Fellow senior MeiLing Milgrim was right on her heels with 26.

If you’re doing the math at home, the two combined for the same amount of stolen bases as the entire Benson roster.  

“We usually give three or four of the girls, whoever we think knows what they’re doing, that privilege to steal whenever they want,” said Haeger. “We put a lot of work into our leads, and they work really hard on getting faster, especially on those first steps.”

It’s that trust and reciprocation of hard work that makes for such a promising 2020 outlook. Not only are Ellis and Milgrim speedsters on the basepaths, but they are menaces at the plate. The duo hit .429 and .559, respectively, with Milgrim driving in 22 runs and hitting three home runs. 

However, by no means did those balls leave the park.

Ellis and Milgrim are both right-handed naturally but were taught to bat left-handed by Haeger and Co. in order to get them to slap hit, which allows them to get a head start running toward first base, extending singles into doubles, doubles into triples, and so on.

That’s how Milgrim managed to hit three inside-the-park home runs in 2019. 

“She had that head start out of the box that allowed her to be so successful,” said Haeger. “[Ellis] had a few doubles and a few triples last year doing the same thing.”

While their games are loud and unafraid, Ellis and Milgrim are quite shy when asked who in the clubhouse has the most meaningful voice. 

“I think we try to,” said Ellis and Milgrim in a timid unison.

“They wanna be humble, but it’s those two,” said Haeger.

“When the team is hitting and big plays happen,” Milgrim chimed in, “we’re always cheering on everyone else. It’s one of the things we try to do.”

Their leadership glues this team together. With seven seniors and two juniors on the roster, the Cougars find themselves with a good amount of experience that helps the underclassmen grow, including their once-lonely pitcher.

Last year, freshman Trinity Varner held the title as Phoenix Cristian’s only starting pitcher. She won 11 of her 19 appearances on the season with a 6.16 ERA. She also tossed three complete games, including one shutout.

A sophomore this year, Varner will be allowed to grow on the mound without having the strain of a full starting season on her shoulders. She is now joined by two starters on the roster, fellow freshman Grace Fisher and senior Grace Pendergast. This, combined with potent bats throughout the lineup, has Haeger excited for his fifth year as head coach.

“The offensive part of the game is our trademark,” said Haeger. “It’s what we take the most pride in, put the most time into.

“The difference will be how our fielding works out this year and how good the three girls in the circle are.”

The Cougars begin their season at home Tuesday when they take on the Glendale Prep Griffins.