Coyotes Spring Sports Make Postseason Push

Chandler, Arizona-- Around this time a year ago, the CGCC Spring sports coaches and student athletes were looking to fill the void that was left in their lives when their seasons were taken away due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic continued into the Fall, not only were baseball and softball seasons taken away, but soccer as well. However, time moved on and all three teams were eventually granted the opportunity to play this Spring, with minimal restrictions. It is safe to say that both the coaches and players were excited to get back out on the field and had a new perspective on playing considering the priveleage could be taken from them at any moment. 

Not only did our Spring sports compete, they excelled, qualifying for the playoffs in baseball, softball and men's soccer with two teams winning a post season game. The baseball team finished as the number four seed heading into the ACCAC playoffs where they split two games with Paradise Valley, but eventually lost to Pheonix College, ending their season. The softball team sufferred a similar fate as they qualified for the post season but lost both games to South Mountain Community College in the double elimination tournament, ending their season as well. All the members of both programs were so fortunate to be given the opportunity to do what they love and more than made the most of the experience despite the setbacks, obstacles and uncertainties. 

The Coyote Men's Soccer team was granted the go ahead to compete this Spring, even though their season is typically in the Fall. Even with a multitude of injuries the team perservered and made the playoffs as the number four seed where they hosted a game against Scottsdale Community College, who they lost to only a few weeks prior on the same field. The Coyotes won on a last second goal in dramatic fashion. Although they lost their second round matchup to Pima College, Head Coach Richard Esperti did a tremendous job all season getting his team ready to compete at a high level. 

Last but not least our Women's Golf team, a small but mighty squad with only two total team members, had an outstanding season with both young ladies qualifying for the National Tournament. Hope Morales and Sophie Coleman were both named 1st Team All-ACCAC and 1st Team All-Region for their strong outputs this year. 

The Spring sports seasons were filled with uncertainty, added stress and many extra hoops to jump through but everyone involved with CGCC Athletics handled everything in stride and the end results were a lot of wins and success, even against the odds.