There were plenty of "ups" for the Phoenix softball team during its 2023 pre-season.

The Pirates, who enter Skyline Conference play ranked 13th in the state, posted a 7-4 mark through the first part of the season. The highlight was a four-game sweep of a round-robin event in Newport over spring break as Phoenix grabbed all of its wins over fellow 4A schools.

Both offense and defense have been eventful for Phoenix. The Pirates generated 122 pre-season runs. A deep pitching staff surrendered 80 as four different players worked on the mound.

Freshman Destiny Christlieb leads the pitching staff while juniors Jayden Vos and Kendall Haywood have also worked as well as freshman Keelie Woodside. Vos anchors the infield at shortstop and is joined by returners starters (both seniors) Paityn Croy at third base and Morgan James at second. Chrislieb plays first base when not on the mound, as does Heywood, who also works at shorstop.

Junior Addie Bright returns at catcher, bringing solid defense and a reliable bat.

Woodside, junior Violet Harper and sophomores Carsyn Gallegos and Sylvia Platt are all logging time in the in the outfield.

The Pirates open Skyline Conference play with a three-game series against defense champion Henley.

Interview with Coach Kevin Scoggins