Donnie Tizzano said his sister-in-law, a teacher at Willow Canyon, asked him about 20 times to coach softball at the school.

He politely declined each time. Eventually, Tizzano’s sister-in-law’s persistence paid off, and on Monday the five-year coach who developed a passion for coaching softball and his program were rewarded handsomely.

Willow Canyon travelled home to Surprise with the 5A Conference championship trophy after defeating upstart Canyon View 12-4 at Tucson’s Hillenbrand Stadium. Fittingly, the only two seniors in the game recorded the final out.

Third baseman Raelynn Rogers alertly tagged out a runner who rounded third after receiving a one-hopper from her fellow senior, left fielder Hanna Bowers. Canyon View had singled with a runner on just before the game ending play.

To add to the awesomeness of Monday, it was Rogers’ birthday, and Willow Canyon won its first softball title in its first championship appearance.

“This is amazing,” Rogers said. “I wouldn’t have want to win this with any other group of girls.”

Said Bowers about Monday’s victory, “Yes, we did it for our school, but I think we needed this for ourselves also. We needed to prove that we could do it and take it all the way. That we can trust one another to pick each other up.”

Despite the loss, what Canyon View, playing in just its 27th game as a varsity program, accomplished in such a short time—and without any seniors—is quite impressive.

Canyon View is in Waddell, about 12.5 miles south from Willow Canyon. This was the second meeting between the clubs this season.

The first game was a one-run outcome in favor of Willow Canyon, but its potent offense made sure the second game wasn’t as close. It scored three runs in the first inning, five in the third and four in the sixth against a team that struggled in the circle early and made some uncharacteristic errors that led to runs.

Taylor Jacobs was 12-0 with a 1.52 ERA entering Monday’s game and played an important role in helping her team reach the final. But the junior was replaced in the third inning by Lauren Ervin, who didn’t allow an earned run until the sixth inning and went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two doubles.

For Willow Canyon, Marissa McCann, the team’s workhorse, pitched her 10th complete game, improving to 10-1. The only loss McCann and her 22-1 team suffered this season was to 6A Pinnacle.

“We had kids from way back when I started that were just good character kids, and they worked really hard and bought in,” Tizzano said. “Then the talent started to come and got an influx of talent. We could have had a number of different lineups and have pretty good results. We are definitely on the rise. I think today we proved we are the best team in 5A.

“I’m so proud of them. They worked really hard and play the game the right way. This is the icing on the cake. The one thing I want people to know is that our kids play the game the right way. They’ll never big-time anybody.”

Every batter in Willow Canyon’s lineup had a hit or at least an RBI.

The No. 1 and 2 hitters in its lineup, Alannah Rogers and Tristen Turlington, respectively, went a combined 4-for-6 with three RBIs and three walks. Canyon View finished its first full season of varsity ball with a 20-3 record.

Its No. 9 hitter, right fielder Anise Romo, who was batting .450, went 2-for-3.

“We are still learning,” said Canyon View coach John Jacobs, whose daughter was his team’s starting pitcher. “Being so young. It is what it is. They are a good team, and they got on us. But I’m proud of my girls for continuing to fight through the last pitch.

“Listen, we will sit down and this is the kind of stuff that will help us built a legacy. We’ve got girls who are sixth, seventh and eighth graders watching this game. Canyon View will be just fine. We will be back.”

Canyon View reached the 5A title game and finished its first full varsity season with a 20-3 record. azpreps365 photo.