Softball Game Preview: Pojoaque Valley Elks/Elkettes vs. Espanola Valley Sundevils

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Previous Games

05/04/24 - Home	14-5 W
05/04/24 - Home	19-11 W
04/17/24 - Away	12-6 W
04/29/23 - Away	7-10 L
04/29/23 - Away	6-16 L
+ 5 more games

Pojoaque Valley and Espanola Valley are an even 5-5 against one another since June of 2021, but likely not for long. The Elks/Elkettes will head out on the road to take on the Sundevils at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. The two teams have had a bumpy ride up to this point with four consecutive losses for Pojoaque Valley and six for Espanola Valley.

Pojoaque Valley managed to slip by Moriarty the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Elks/Elkettes lost 15-6 to the Pintos on Wednesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Elks/Elkettes have suffered against the Pintos since March 29, 2023.

Lauren Salazar was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring a run while going 2-for-3. Another player making a difference was Izabella Lujan, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base and two RBI.

Meanwhile, Espanola Valley didn't have quite enough to beat Taos on Wednesday and fell 14-12. Even though they lost, the Sundevils' still made a splash at the plate and bumped their average scoring up to 6.4 runs per game (they're now ranked -1th in scoring overall).

Leah Vigil stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: she scored three runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-5. Dionicka Maestas also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.

Espanola Valley's loss dropped their record down to 2-9. As for Pojoaque Valley, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-12.

Saturday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Pojoaque Valley has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .460. However, it's not like Espanola Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .500. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Everything went Pojoaque Valley's way against Espanola Valley in their previous matchup back in May of 2024, as Pojoaque Valley made off with a 14-5 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Elks/Elkettes since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.