Cactus Shadows seniors sign with Paradise Valley
MARC BUCKHOUT ~MANAGING EDITOR ~ 1/25/2012

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A pair of Cactus Shadows seniors decided they’ll remain in the North Valley next season when they continue their softball careers at the college level.
Earlier this month teammates Megan Scarpulla and Kristin Hillier signed their letters of intent to play at Paradise Valley Community College next season.
The Falcons seniors, who helped Cactus Shadows to a program best 21-9-1 mark a season ago that included a trip to the 4A Div-I state quarterfinals, will be counted on to lead a young team this season.
A year ago Scarpulla, an outfielder, hit .402 on the season, with 35 hits, good for third best on the team, scored 25 runs (fourth), and was second in steals, with 16, despite missing four games.
“Megan is a special kid because she is so good natured and doesn’t have a bad thing to say about anyone,” coach Danica Gianni said. “She helps us all stay positive. I look forward to her helping us on offense this year, like she did last year.”
Hillier, the team’s third baseman, hit .412, the third best mark on the team, while also showing tremendous power as she hit five home runs (second on the team), had nine doubles (tied for second) and drove in 40 RBIs (second).
“Kristin has been a definite leader since her freshman year and I am looking to both of these girls to help keep players focused in practices and to keep the team mentally strong in the tough games we will have this season,” Gianni said. “Kristin’s competitive nature will ignite others around her.”
At Paradise Valley the pair will join a Pumas squad that struggled through an 11-37 season in 2011.