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Ray High Bearcats
The third-ranked Ray softball team extended its winning streak to five games and improved to 15 – 3 on the season after one-sided wins against Miami and San Carlos last week.
Stormee Galka, the Maryville University commit, went 2-for-3 including a homerun and drove in three runs in a 15 – 0 win against the Braves last Friday. The senior sensation showed why she was a highly coveted two-way collegiate recruit after surrendering only one hit in three innings pitched with four strikeouts.
Galka, who has appeared in 18 games this season as a pitcher, has allowed two or fewer hits in 11 of them, including three no-no’s and six one-hitters. She fanned seven or more opposing hitters in seven of her appearances. And, by the way, she’s hitting .531 with 31 RBI and owns a 1.349 OPS. She’s struck out a measly two times in 69 plate appearances.
Daniella Hinojos pitched a scoreless and hitless inning in relief, walking one and fanning two Braves’ hitters. She also had two hits and two RBI at the plate.
Janae Ruiz, a sophomore, had three hits in as many plate appearances and drove in three runs in the win. In addition to Galka and Hinjos, Savannah Willis also had two hits. The senior catcher also drove in a run. Freshman Tara Lorona had a hit and two RBI in the game.
The Lady Cats have four games remaining before the state playoffs begin. Head coach Rikki Galka believes her team can compete for a state championship.
“The teamwork we display,” Galka answered when asked what makes her team a title contender. “We work hard at it and never quit.”
Upcoming schedule: Apr. 19 vs. Ft. Thomas, Apr. 22 at Alchesay (2 p.m.), Apr. 26 vs. Pima, and Apr. 27 at Superior. All games are scheduled for 4 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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