Ventura is 0-10 against Oxnard since April of 2021 but things could change on Friday. The Cougars will look to defend their home field against the Yellowjackets at 3:30 p.m. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Ventura 4.1, Oxnard 3.4) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Ventura took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Wednesday. They were the clear victors by a 12-2 margin over Hueneme. The result was nothing new for the Cougars, who have now won eight contests by ten runs or more so far this season.
Jayla Raya made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off seven hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one home run. That home run was her first of the season.
Tessa Denger
| 04/09/25 vs Hueneme | 2 |
| 04/01/25 vs Pacifica | 1 |
| 03/20/25 @ Nordhoff | 1 |
| 02/20/25 vs Moorpark | 1 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Tessa Denger, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-3. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Makayla Halley, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-3.
Ventura hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in 14 consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, Oxnard waltzed into their game on Tuesday with four straight wins... but they left with five. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 2-1 W against the Cougars. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Yellowjackets have posted since April 10, 2024.
Destinee Herrera spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on three hits and racked up six Ks.
At the plate, Oxnard saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Shyanne Saxton, who scored a run while going 1-for-3.
Ventura has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won ten of their last 11 contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 14-3 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 4.0 runs on average over those games. As for Oxnard, their victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 13-4-1.
Friday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Ventura hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .356. However, it's not like Oxnard struggles in that department as they've averaged .374. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
