Softball Game Preview: Hillcrest Trojans vs. Apple Valley Sun Devils

The Hillcrest Trojans will head out on the road to square off against the Apple Valley Sun Devils at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

Last Monday, Hillcrest made easy work of Moreno Valley and carried off an 11-1 win. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Trojans.

X-Ziary Zambrano was excellent, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Adrianna Garcia, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs and one stolen base.

Hillcrest was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Moreno Valley only posted a batting average of .083.

Meanwhile, Apple Valley got the win against University Prep on Wednesday by a conclusive 12-2. The victory continues a trend for the Sun Devils in their matchups with the Jaguars: they've now won three in a row.

Makaylee Cerf spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on six hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Madison Buzzard and Lexonnie Gonzalez did most of the damage at the plate: Buzzard went 2-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and two doubles, while Gonzalez went 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That home run was Gonzalez's first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Jordyn Gentile, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.

Hillcrest's record is now 16-7. As for Apple Valley, their record now sits at 17-10-1.