Softball Game Preview: Lynden Christian Lyncs vs. Nooksack Valley Pioneers

The Lynden Christian Lyncs will head out to challenge the Nooksack Valley Pioneers at 4:30 p.m. on Monday.

Lynden Christian fell victim to Montesano and their airtight pitching crew on Friday. They came up short against the Bulldogs, falling 8-0. The matchup marked the first time this year in which the Lyncs were not able to get on the board.

Meanwhile, Nooksack Valley put another one in the bag on Friday to keep their perfect season alive. They walked away with a 9-4 win over Lakewood. While the Pioneers didn't have the best season last year (they finished 7-13), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.

Payton Bartl was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching four innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one walk any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 3-for-4.

In other pitching news, Alayna Vanieperen looked comfortable as she pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits.

Back at the plate, Alayna Dykstra and Shelby Mason did most of the damage at the plate: Dykstra scored two runs while going 2-for-4, while Mason scored a run and stole three bases while going 2-for-4. That's the most stolen bases Mason has posted since back in April of 2024.

Nooksack Valley was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .333 or higher in seven consecutive contests dating back to last season.

Lynden Christian's defeat dropped their record down to 2-5. As for Nooksack Valley, their record now sits at 4-0.

Lynden Christian took their victory against Nooksack Valley in their previous matchup back in May of 2023 by a conclusive 29-9. The rematch might be a little tougher for Lynden Christian since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.