Sedillo’s journey was even more unusual. Before the 2017 season, she transferred from the Cobras biggest rival since Underwood became the coach in 2012 — Sunrise Mountain.

"When I transferred and the season started, we played in the Sunrise tournament last year. I saw Jody and she asked, ‘Did you find your home?’ And I said I did," Sedillo said. "It’s not that I didn’t like it there. I felt more at home here and I had better chemistry with these girls than I did there. The experience is different and I fell in love with it here."

By their sophomore year, Guerra started and grew into a presence in the middle of the lineup. Osteen became the team’s defensive specialist, started at second base but not being featured much in the batting order.

The 2016 Cobras made their first state final in a decade, falling 6-2 to Oro Valley Ironwood Ridge in the Division II title game.

"A big piece of motivation was making the state game sophomore year and losing in that. That kind of pushes you to reach that goal," Kennedy said.

Cactus looked primed for a return visit last season after earning the No. 2 seed in 4A.

But, after sweeping Sunrise Mountain in the regular season, the Cobras lost to the Mustangs in the semifinal. That game has been a motivation this season.

For that reason, the seniors are Ok with the timing of their lone regular season. Sunrise Mountain knocked off Cactus 9-8 on its home field on April 17.

"I think it’s good that it happened now, rather than beating them twice and losing in the playoffs like we did last year," Osteen said.

Guerra is the only current senior to bloom into stardom, leading the team with 53 RBI this year and a key pitcher. She will play for Iowa State University next year.

"Emilie is pretty quiet. I’ve seen her get mad once or twice but for the most part she has a smile on her face," Underwood said. "She’s a leader by example also, how she goes about every day."

Osteen has grown into a fixture in a stacked lineup and is batting .449. She will play at Scottsdale Community College next year.

This year, Osteen proved her defensive ability in a new way.

"I took an outfielder and made her an infielder because she has good feet. Coming into this year, with the girls we had coming in, I told her she might have to play some outfield this year. I don’t think she wanted to but she never said that. She said OK. Then, because of my catcher’s injury I had to move Aubrey from third to behind the plate, so I moved Nicole over to third. She doesn’t have an error there in five games" Underwood said.

Sedillo has become a valuable pinch hitter later in this season.

"AAA transferred from Sunrise because she didn’t think she’d every make varsity there. And she had to sit out most of last year. She came out and worked her tail off every day, knowing she couldn’t play," Underwood said. "When she could play, she hasn’t really been a starter either and doesn’t complain. When girls get along with each other — whether they’re starters or not — that’s huge."

The Hall of Fame coach said this senior class takes ownership of the program and passing on its traditions. Those include properly raking and taking care of the field and going through lots of conditioning drills.

That attitude helps ensure that star-caliber players like junior Alynah Torres, sophomore Kaytlin Leyvas and freshman Bub Feringa buy into the program and its goals.

Guerra said this group has faced some adversity this season with injuries, and that the players love each other and want to win it for each other.

"Things are going to get tough in the playoffs and in tougher games like Sunrise," Osteen said. "We still have a young team and there’s a lot of younger players. Helping them learn to stay positive even when they’re not doing their best is key."

Cactus pitcher Emilie Guerra, center, celebrates with teammates after a victory against Cactus Shadows during their 4A state softball playoff game on May 2, 2017.