Heritage Softball Claims 4th Consecutive State Title: ‘Our Girls Gave Their All!’

Heritage Academy’s Maricopa girls’ softball team has secured their fourth consecutive CAA Division II state championship, defeating Heritage Academy Laveen 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Papago Softball Complex. This victory follows closely on the heels of the boys’ baseball team winning their fourth championship.

The triumph capped a flawless 16-0 season for the Lady Heroes, highlighting years of hard work and a strong team culture fostered by head coach Derek Zappa.

“This was probably one of our tightest games,” Zappa remarked. “Our girls played their hearts out. It’s been incredible to see their growth not just as athletes but as individuals. Our seniors have been with us since our first championship.”

Zappa emphasized the legacy left by the seniors, many of whom have been with the program since middle school, establishing a foundation for future student-athletes aiming for higher competition.

A key figure in their success was senior Jordyn Taylor, who boasted an impressive .654 batting average, alongside nine home runs and 42 RBIs. Her exceptional .695 on-base percentage and 1.519 slugging percentage posed significant challenges for opposing teams.

Senior Payton Duncan also shined, sporting a .667 batting average while leading the team with 41 runs, as documented by high school sports statistics site MaxPreps.

In the championship game, junior Maya Zappa excelled, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, a triple, and multiple critical defensive plays, earning her the title of Player of the Game.

“Maya is only getting better,” said Coach Zappa. “She leads by example on and off the field.”

Zappa attributes the program’s consistent performance not to any secret tactics but to a strong culture and unwavering commitment from the players.

“It’s about creating an environment where the girls feel ownership,” he explained. “Whether they play club ball with me or elsewhere, their dedication drives them to excel. We hope they carry these lessons into their future endeavors.”

With four championships secured, eyes are set on achieving a fifth title next season. However, Zappa remains grounded in his approach.

“Anything’s possible,” he stated. “But we focus on one year at a time.”