PHOENIX, AZ – The 2026 high school softball season kicked off with a thunderous statement in the desert. Xavier College Preparatory (Phoenix) sent a clear message to the rest of the 6A Conference on Tuesday, securing a dominant 7-0 victory over Hamilton in a rematch of last year’s state semifinalists.
The story of the game was the absolute mastery of senior ace Riley Flynn. The LSU commit delivered a flawless performance in the circle, racking up 14 strikeouts and allowing zero hits in a complete-game no-hitter. Flynn’s velocity was unmatched, consistently hitting the high 60s and keeping Hamilton’s veteran hitters off-balance with a devastating changeup.
An Offensive Explosion in the Late Innings
While Flynn kept the opposition quiet, Xavier Prep’s offense took a few innings to find its rhythm. The breakthrough came in the bottom of the fourth when junior shortstop Lia Morales crushed a three-run home run over the center-field fence, breaking a scoreless tie. The Gators didn’t stop there, capitalizing on two defensive errors and an RBI double from freshman sensation Macy Chen to extend the lead to seven.
“We knew we had the pitching, but seeing the bats wake up against a quality opponent like Hamilton is encouraging,” said Xavier Prep head coach. “Riley was in a zone today, but this win was a total team effort from the dugout to the field.”
National Rankings and Recruitment Watch
With the victory, Xavier Prep is expected to climb into the Top 10 of the MaxPreps National Softball Rankings. The game also drew a significant crowd of collegiate scouts, particularly observing the Gators’ deep roster of Division I commits. As the season progresses, the battle for the Arizona 6A title is shaping up to be a race between Xavier Prep and their arch-rivals, Basha, who also secured an opening-day win.
The Gators will look to maintain their momentum as they travel to California next week for the prestigious Dave Kops Invitational, a tournament that often serves as a barometer for national championship contenders.
Diamond Gems: Stay updated with every home run, shutout, and recruiting commitment this season. Click here to visit our Girls Softball page for live scoreboards, national rankings, and exclusive player interviews!