The Fountain Hills High School softball team has extended its winning streak to five games after two decisive wins this past week.

On Tuesday, April 16, the Lady Falcons traveled to play against Coronado and won the game 13-3.

FHHS’s second game last week against Arizona College Prep was their last home game of the season, with Fountain Hills winning the game handily, 12-6.

The Lady Falcons had just one regular season game this week on Monday, April 22, against American Leadership Academy Gilbert.

Coronado

Head coach Randy Bragg said he was happy to see his team get an early start in the showdown against Coronado, something the Falcons have been struggling with all season.

“We started off really hot, so that was good,” Bragg said. “That is a thing that we have been trying to emphasize these past couple weeks.”

The Falcons were able to run up the scoreboard quickly and, thanks to freshmen pitcher Nicolette Barker, Coronado had a difficult time responding.

“Nicolette Barker pitched a full game for us,” Bragg said. “She had three hits and three runs, all unearned. She had four strikeouts in five innings and only two walks, so that was good for us.”

Barker previously pitched a no-hitter against Coronado in her first full game as pitcher.

Other than Barker, Senior Gabbi Coughlin also had a big night going 3-4 at the plate with three runs and three RBI.

AZ College Prep

Bragg said he believes that Tuesday’s win against Coronado gave the Lady Falcons momentum going into Thursday’s match-up against Arizona College Prep.

Just like they did on Tuesday, FHHS got out to an early lead.

“We were up 7-0 after two innings,” Bragg said. “Sophia Buckley had a two-run homerun in the second and then another two-run homerun in the third.”

Buckley was also up on the mound for the Falcons and was able to pin nine strikeouts on AZ College Prep.

A few fielding errors allowed AZ College Prep to get on the scoreboard but Fountain Hills was able to hold them to half their own score.

Being the last home game of the regular season, Thursday’s game also acted as Senior Night for the Lady Falcons.

There is one lone senior, Gabbi Coughlin, on the team but her impact has been huge.

“She has been having an amazing senior year,” Bragg said. “Without a doubt, we wouldn’t be where we are without her.”

Coughlin has a batting average of .381; second best on the team. She leads the team in stolen bases with 15 as well as leads in RBI with 30.

Bragg believes that Coughlin has set the perfect example for her younger teammates.

“We are really proud of her,” Bragg said. “I think going forward she has set such an example that the girls will have that as a lesson of what a top player looks like; playing hard and giving her best effort.”