Softball Game Preview: Garey Vikings vs. West Covina Bulldogs

The Garey Vikings will head out on the road to square off against the West Covina Bulldogs at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Garey has given up an average of 10.5 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Garey came into this matchup off a tough 20-run loss on Tuesday. This time they kept things ultra-competitive, but unfortunately the final result was the same. They fell just short of Nogales by a score of 12-10 on Thursday. The Vikings' defeat continues a trend for the team, making it four in a row.

Meanwhile, West Covina hadn't done well against Northview recently (they were 0-9 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way last Thursday. The Bulldogs walked away with a 7-2 win over the Vikings.

Leslie Baustista made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off five hits. Those hits marked the first that she allowed this season. She was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-2.

In other batting news, Sophia Adler was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-3. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024. Hazel Manzano was another key player, going 1-for-3 with three RBI and one double.

West Covina hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least four batters in three consecutive games.

Garey's loss dropped their record down to 4-9. As for West Covina, their record is now 7-8-1.

Garey might still be hurting after the 8-1 defeat they got from West Covina in their previous meeting back in April of 2023. Can the Vikings avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.