Softball Recap: Moreno Valley Takes a Loss

Moreno Valley dropped their record down to 8-9 on Thursday, which also ended the team's three-game streak of wins on the road. They lost 11-2 to the Rancho Verde Mustangs. The Vikings were red-hot at the plate heading into the match (they scored no less than ten runs in the four contests prior), but the Mustangs' pitchers proved too tough.

Mia Licon was cooking despite her team's loss, going 3-for-4 with one home run, one stolen base, and two RBI.

As for Rancho Verde, they pushed their record up to 14-3 with the win, which was their tenth straight at home dating back to last season. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.2 runs over those games.

On Rancho Verde's side, Isabelle Sena spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on six hits and racked up seven Ks. Sena has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Jaylen Anderson, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Khylee Dade, who went 2-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double.

Looking ahead, Moreno Valley will challenge Lakeside at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Rancho Verde, they will take on Perris at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday. The Panthers have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 13.85 runs per game on average), something the Mustangs will no doubt try to take advantage of.