TUCSON - The big stage was new to both Willow Canyon and Canyon View softball Monday night, but for most of the 5A state final the Wildcats made themselves at home.
Donnie Tizzano's lineup powered a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Five walks, two Jaguars errors and a couple more hits staked the top seed to 8-2 advantage after three.
Precocious #2 seed Canyon View reached the finals without a senior in its first varsity year, and started to figure out sophomore pitcher Marissa McCann. But McCann shut down the rally and Willow Canyon added four in the bottom of the sixth to win its first state title going away, 12-4 at Hillenbrand Stadium in Tucson.
