Softball Game Preview: Simi Valley Pioneers vs. Royal Highlanders

Simi Valley is 2-8 against Royal since March of 2020 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Pioneers will host the Highlanders at 6:00 p.m. Simi Valley's pitching crew has only allowed four runs per game this season, so Royal's hitters will have their work cut out for them.

On Thursday, Simi Valley didn't have quite enough to beat Moorpark and fell 5-3.

Parker Ong

Base on Balls Against

05/01/25 vs Moorpark	1
04/30/25 @ Camarillo	2
04/18/25 vs Buena	1

Parker Ong spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five earned runs on nine hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Simi Valley saw seven different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Leah Ortega-Vasquez, who went 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Royal, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged out Santa Paula 2-1.

Royal also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Reese Dugar gave up only one earned run on nine hits.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Lidija Faubert, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two doubles and one RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024.

Royal's win bumped their record up to 12-9. As for Simi Valley, their defeat dropped their record down to 16-8-1.

Simi Valley couldn't quite finish off Royal when the teams last played back in April and fell 5-3. Will the Pioneers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.