Softball Game Preview: Crean Lutheran Saints vs. Golden Valley Grizzlies

The Crean Lutheran Saints will venture away from home to square off against the Golden Valley Grizzlies at 3:15 p.m. on Friday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.

Crean Lutheran is headed out to face Golden Valley after opening their season at home and giving their fans just what they were looking for. Crean Lutheran never let United Christian Academy get on the board and left with a 12-0 win on Wednesday. The Saints haven't had any issues with the Eagles recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.

Grace Garkovich made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Garkovich was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.

Hayli McIlroy

Stolen Base

02/19/25 vs United Christian Academy	4
03/18/24 @ Pacifica	0
03/12/24 vs Estancia	4

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Hayli McIlroy, who scored three runs and stole four bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in March of 2024. Anna Ciftcikara was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-2.

Crean Lutheran always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .607. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as United Christian Academy only posted an OBP of .167.

Meanwhile, Golden Valley had to kick off their season on the road on Thursday, but they showed no ill effects. They blew past San Fernando 11-5.