Pinal Today

The Santa Cruz Valley Union High School girls softball team victory over their rival Coolidge was made even sweeter as it was Coach Andrea James's 300th career victory. 

According to the Eloy Enterprise, the victory, the team’s fifth this season, had some special meaning for James, a former Santa Cruz student and player who returned to coach the squad in 2006. She told the publication that it was touching to get the victory and she became emotional. 

“I knew it was going to be big, but to see some of the old players was really cool,” she told the Enterprise. “This is my community, this is where I’m from. It was a lot more than I expected, I was really surprised by everything."

James told the publication that now that she’s gotten the victory, the team can return to focusing on the season. According to the publication, she wants the team continues on its hot streak and continue to build momentum. 

According to the Enterprise, James also noted that the team is firing on all cylinders, and the work the girls have put in over the last three seasons is now paying off. 

While the 300th career win was a nice accomplishment, James told the Enterprise that she has bigger goals for the team, which is chasing a state title. She told the publication she wants the girls to experience the thrill of a title, adding that they deserve it and have the hunger.