After falling 3-2 to Sunnyslope on Saturday, April 6, the Cowboys reeled off three straight victories.
On senior night, Camp Verde’s veterans went out with a bang as the baseball team defeated Flagstaff’s Northland Preparatory Academy 6-0 on Thursday, April 16.
“Tyra Smith and Rachel Stockseth are two seniors that are real contenders for all-conference recognition,” Camp Verde coach Henry Smith said.
Stockseth is currently batting .638 with 44 hits and 44 runs batted in.
“Rachel has been an amazing team leader, is very supportive of her teammates and has made a lot of plays,” Smith said. “Rachel played exclusively with her club team over the last two years and has really showed what she learned this season.”
Stockseth leads 2A with 31 stolen bases and is second with 12 home runs.
“She has brought a lot of experience to the team and has been more than willing to educate the younger players.”
The Cowboys are currently atop the 2A Central with a perfect 9-0 regional and conference record.
Camp Verde is batting .493 with 31 home runs and a .551 on-base percentage.
“We have had some instances where we lacked plate-discipline, but fortunately, it was earlier this year,” Smith said. “Experiencing problems is not always a bad thing as there is always an opportunity to fix them.”
For Smith, the Cowboys trip to Payson is his most fond memory of the season.
“Every year, we participate in the Wickenburg Wrangler Classic which is a great bonding experience,” Smith said. “It is a question of how the team will click off the field and it is great to see them laugh and enjoy each other’s company.”
The girls’ competitiveness both on and off the field is what has impressed Smith the most this season.
“As soon as we get off the bus the girls are ready to compete at hackey sack or in another game,” Smith said. “To me, teaching kids to compete is the most rewarding to them because life is a competition.”
Camp Verde’s ambition has led to a number three spot in the 2A state rankings.
“They have fun while competing which I believe is our best aspect,” Smith said.“I really like how the girls have picked that up as it keeps them healthy, active and focused.”
“To me, seeing their smiles and happiness is always my favorite aspect of the team.”
Cowboys junior Jacy Finley is currently 11-1 with a 3.09 earned run average in 17 appearances.
“She is holding her own, Jacy is a premier pitcher and her stats prove it,” Smith said. “Jacy is putting us in a position to win a state title and it would be a lot more challenging without her.”
Finley is allowing only a .281 on-base percentage and has struck out 140 of the 334 batters faced.
“Jacy needs more mental training in this stage of her career and our assistants have done a great job with her,” Smith said. “Our coaches are teaching her the mental aspects of softball how to prepare for the game and she has been excellent.”
Finley’s 140 strikeouts are good for third in the 2A region.
“Jacy is our ticket and we are ready to ride her shoulders,” Smith said.
Smith’s coaching staff has also been instrumental to the Cowboys success this season.
“We have great leadership on this team from both the players and the staff,” Smith said. “Our players are willing to follow our staff’s leadership and our staff is 100% behind me.”
“It is a complete program and I could not be happier with the system.”
To Smith, fan support is one key to a Cowboys playoff run.
“One thing I have noticed throughout the season is the support from schools such as Benson and other larger schools,” Smith said. “We are gaining support and we are very grateful for the fans we have but we could always use more.”
The Cowboys regular season ends on Thursday, April 25, when Camp Verde hosts Glendale Preparatory Academy.
The first pitch is slated for 3:45 p.m.
