Softball Game Preview: Hilltop Lancers vs. Orange Glen Patriots

The Hilltop Lancers will challenge the Orange Glen Patriots at 3:30 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

Hilltop's pitching crew heads into the matchup hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 20-0 margin over Chula Vista Learning Community Charter. With that victory, the Lancers brought their scoring average up to 6.8 runs per game.

Maricela Barajas made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one hit in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.

In other pitching news, Catherine Vasquez looked comfortable as she tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.

Natalie Wood

Doubles (Career)

04/25/25 vs Chula Vista Learning Community Charter	2
03/22/25 @ Sage Creek	1
03/05/25 vs Canyon Crest Academy	1
02/28/25 vs Vista	1
05/10/24 @ San Ysidro	1

Back at the plate, Natalie Wood and Olivia Mertz did most of the damage at the plate: Wood went a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs, three RBI, and two doubles, while Mertz went 1-for-3 with one home run, three stolen bases, and four runs. Those two doubles gave Wood a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Kaylani Sablan, who went 1-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.

Hilltop hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They are 4-1 when they post two or more strikeouts.

Meanwhile, Orange Glen got the win against St. Joseph Academy on Monday by a conclusive 21-14. The Patriots haven't had any issues with the Crusaders recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.

The victory made it two in a row for Hilltop and bumps their season record up to 9-10-1. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 2 run in those games. As for Orange Glen, the victory got them back to even at 7-7.