The 2014 season was full of ups and downs for the high school softball team as the local ladies managed to pull together a 5-3 section showing, 13-15 overall.

As head coach Bill Nye said several times throughout the past several months, the team seemed to struggle with consistency this year.

When they were on their game, the Lady Falcons were unstoppable, besting numerous teams by more than 10 runs throughout the season.

On the other side of the same coin, however, were games plagued by numerous fielding errors and a lack of hot bats.

The Falcons began their 2014 run in late February with a staggering 25-2 win over Coronado before falling to Phoenix Country Day School 15-5 in game two.

The team bounced back quickly, though, going on a four-game win streak and handily topping teams from Joy Christian, Salt River, Desert Christian and Mogollon.

The Lady Falcons had another five-game win streak just past the mid-season mark before going on a 1-5 run into the season’s conclusion.

The year ended with an 11-0 loss to Chino Valley with the Falcons’ overall record falling shy of a shot at the state tournament.

After nearly 30 games, the Falcons had several athletes wrack up some impressive season stats.

“Katie Petkus had 43 stolen bases, tying for first in the section and second in the state,” Nye said.

“Right now, she’s in the top 20 in the nation, too.”

Nye said that Ashlin Lawyer managed to claim about a dozen wins on the season and, as a freshman varsity pitcher, that’s a stat of note.

“Allie Stevens was also third in the section in RBIs with 28,” Nye continued.

“Sammie Scheffler hit well this season, as did Haley Straub.”

Looking back, Nye said that the 2014 season was defined by its youth, but a youth that continued to grow and learn throughout the past several months of play.

“I think those win streaks were the highlight of the season and helped give the girls some confidence,” Nye said.

“It was great to see. You can’t ask for anything better. If we can continue that into next season, that would be great.”

According to Nye the team should come back bigger, faster and stronger next season, spurred on by participation in summer training, a fall league and more.

“Our pitchers will start working with a coach who is coming down from Cottonwood in June,” he continued.

“But we’ll be working all year. That’s how you get the experience and see what everyone has to offer around the state.”

Considering the past season, Nye said there were undeniable “times of greatness” peppered throughout.

“I think back to Camp Verde, Mingus, and some others, and we played five innings of some great softball. That’s what it’s all about. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to maintain that level of play throughout.”

This season the Falcons will bid farewell to three seniors, including Ashlin Caltabiano, Natasha Coochyouma and Samantha Scheffler.

“Samantha had consistency throughout,” Nye said.

“I only had Caltabiano for about a year and I wish I had her for four. She learned a lot, quickly, and continued to improve.

“Natasha was always there, gave 100 percent, and that’s all you can ask for out of somebody.”

Looking ahead, Nye said that work ethics will be a big focus in the 2015 season.

“We’ve got four good eighth grade students coming up next year to join the team, so it’s all evolving and falling into place,” Nye said.

“We’ve just got to be able to maintain that high level of play every game, all season.

“I want to win our section next year. I think we can do it, and I think we’re going to state.”