Softball Game Preview: Monta Vista Matadors vs. Palo Alto Vikings

The Monta Vista Matadors will face off against the Palo Alto Vikings at 4:00 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.

Monta Vista is headed into Friday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 13th straight game dating back to last season on Wednesday. They lost 21-11 to Lynbrook. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Matadors have suffered against the Vikings since May 5, 2021.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Palo Alto). They put the hurt on Fremont with a sharp 12-3 victory on Wednesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest win the Vikings have posted against the Firebirds since May 1, 2017.

Kira Tzeng was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 11 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk). That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in March of 2024. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing four bases while going 1-for-3.

In other batting news, Palo Alto got a massive performance out of Riannah Soliman, who scored two runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-3. That's the most stolen bases Soliman has posted since back in March of 2024. Another player making a difference was Kendall Butler, who scored a run while going 3-for-5.

Palo Alto has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 4-2 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 6.5 runs over those games. Monta Vista's loss dropped their record down to 0-2.

Monta Vista might still be hurting after the 12-1 defeat they got from Palo Alto in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Will Monta Vista have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.