By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

MESA — At a few points in the O’Connor Eagles’ 6A elimination game against Highland on May 13, the Hawks seemed poised to creep back into the game.

But at no point were the Eagles not in command in the 7-2 win, which advanced them to face Xavier Prep in yet another 7 p.m. elimination game at Mesa High School on Wednesday, May 14.

“They really beared down and did a good job moving the ball around on us, keeping us off balance,” O’Connor coach Melissa Hobson said regarding Highland. “Out kids just play together and they play for each other. They would give up any press or stats to get a team win.”

Hobson said pitcher Rachel Davis, who only walked two Highland batters and got the third out of the inning when needed, scattering seven hits, was a major contributor. So was Davis’ catcher, Charleigh Schuettler, and Avery Gourlay scooped some hard-hit balls and low throws at first base.

Sydnee Williams and Raegan Holtorf both had two hits for the Eagles, who scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning and chased Highland’s starting pitcher.

Williams also hit a two-run single to right field in the bottom of the fifth. That’s when the Eagles, who’d had baserunners all game, finally pushed some more runs across, scoring four times to go up 7-1.

MiaLani Ocampo was one of two Hawks with more than one hit in the game. She was erased as the lead runner in a key seventh-inning play when Davis fielded a “comebacker” grounder and threw to third base to get Ocampo in a rundown.

Tuesday, May 13

6A Softball -- Lower bracket semifinal, at Mesa H.S.

O’CONNOR 7, HIGHLAND 2

Highland 010 001 0—2 8 2

O’Connor 300 040 X—7 12 2

LOB: H 8; OC 9. Pitching: H, Cambria Chacon, Kennedie Nelson (1st); OC, Rachel Davis. Leading hitters: H, MiaLani Ocampo, 2-4, 2B; Karsyn Norton, 2-4, 2B; OC, Sydnee Williams, 2-3, 2R, 2RBI; Raegan Holtorf, 2-4, 2B. Rec.: H 23-11; OC 22-10.

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Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.