Softball Game Preview: Valley View Spartans vs. Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Eagles

The Valley View Spartans will square off against the Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Eagles at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. The last five games Valley View has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.

On Friday, Valley View didn't have quite enough to beat Madison and fell 6-5.

Emily Woodward led a balanced group of hitters, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. Brelynn Riley was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-2.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy fought the good fight in their extra-innings matchup against Ursuline Academy on Friday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Lions by a score of 5-4.

Kylene Werner was huge no matter where she played even without the win. On the mound, she struck out 11 batters over nine innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off 11 hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with four RBI and one double. That double was her first of the season.

In other batting news, Emily Lang was cooking despite her team's loss, getting four hits from her four at bats. Another player making a difference was Raven Horton, who scored two runs while going 2-for-5.

Valley View has been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 2-5-1 record this season. Even worse, they were so close so many times: the losses came by an average of only 1.5 runs. As for Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-4.

The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Saturday as neither team is afraid to steal. Valley View has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.