Softball Recap: Lucerne Valley Takes a Loss

Lucerne Valley had lost seven straight at home dating back to last season, but on Tuesday they dropped their record down to 0-9 to make it eight. They came up short against the Hesperia Christian Patriots, falling 25-2. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Patriots this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 20-2 on April 4th.

As for Hesperia Christian, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 9-7-1. Their hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

For Hesperia Christian's part, Hailey Hoffman was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out 12 batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits (and only one walk). Hoffman has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with four runs. Those four runs gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Eden Skinner was a standout: she went 3-for-4 with one home run, two triples, and three runs. That's the most triples she has posted since back in March of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Elyse VanderWeide, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with eight RBI, three runs, and two doubles.

Coincidentally, Lucerne Valley and Hesperia Christian will both be playing Silver Valley the next time they take the field. The Mustangs will host the Trojans at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, while the Patriots will head out to face them at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday.