Softball Game Preview: Trona Tornadoes vs. Desert Christian Knights

The Trona Tornadoes will venture away from home to face off against the Desert Christian Knights at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday. Trona is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.

Trona was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last game, but they sure didn't let that happen against Non Varsity Opponent on Friday. The Tornadoes were the clear victors by a 15-9 margin over Non Varsity Opponent. The result was nothing new for the Tornadoes, who have now won four matchups by six runs or more so far this season.

Lily Mehan

Batters Struck Out

04/04/25 vs Non Varsity Opponent	12
04/01/25 vs Mojave	13
03/21/25 @ Non Varsity Opponent	16
03/04/25 vs Lucerne Valley	13
03/01/25 vs Desert Christian	11
+ 3 more games

Lily Mehan spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and seven unearned) runs on 11 hits and racked up 12 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season.

On the hitting side, Sierra Ball and Nyomi Smith did most of the damage at the plate: Ball scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances, while Smith scored three runs and stole three bases while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances. Those two runs gave Ball a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Alyssa Stephens, who scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.

Trona always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .625. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

Meanwhile, Desert Christian lost 15-5 to Faith Baptist on Tuesday.

Trona is on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 5-3 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.5 runs over those games. As for Desert Christian, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-10-1.