University hasn't had much luck against Laguna Hills recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Trojans will head out to challenge the Hawks at 3:30 p.m. University is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.1 runs per game this season.
University will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Wednesday, then bounced right back against Estancia on Friday. The Trojans' pitcher stepped up to hand the Eagles a 23-0 shutout. The Trojans haven't had any issues with the Eagles recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.
Carson Cruz made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two runs and one triple. That triple marked the first that she has hit this season.
Gidget Smith
| 05/02/25 @ Estancia | 6 |
| 03/27/24 vs Portola | 2 |
| 04/28/25 @ Portola | 1 |
| 03/27/25 vs Ocean View | 1 |
| 03/20/25 vs Godinez Fundamental | 1 |
In other batting news, Gidget Smith was a standout: she went a perfect 4-for-4 with six RBI, two runs, and one double. Those six RBI gave her a new career-high. Jessica Hu was another key player, going 4-for-5 with four RBI, two runs, and two doubles.
University always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .795. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Laguna Hills was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their 14th straight defeat. They came up short against Valencia, falling 14-2.
Laguna Hills saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Seiry Serrano, who went 1-for-2 with two RBI.
University now has a winning record of 10-9. As for Laguna Hills, their loss dropped their record down to 1-14.
Laguna Hills' pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: University has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .534. It's a different story for Laguna Hills, though, as they've only averaged .344. Will they be able to contain University's hitters?
University couldn't quite finish off Laguna Hills in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 and fell 9-7. Can the Trojans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
