Softball Game Preview: Northland Prep Academy Spartans vs. Williams Vikings

The Northland Prep Academy Spartans will challenge the Williams Vikings at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Northland Prep Academy is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 15.5 runs per game this season.

Northland Prep Academy was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last match, but they sure didn't let that happen against Pinon on Tuesday. The Spartans were the clear victors by a 15-4 margin over the Eagles. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Spartans considering their one-run performance the game before.

Ryliegh LaFave

Batters Struck Out

04/08/25 @ Pinon	9
04/04/25 @ Many Farms	16
04/01/25 vs Valley	9
03/26/25 @ Ash Fork/Seligman	7
03/24/25 @ Trivium Prep	5

Ryliegh LaFave made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over 4.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off six hits (and not a single walk). She has been consistent : she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances.

In other batting news, Aliyah Gabrys was a standout: she scored two runs while going 2-for-4. Lauren Frate was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3.

Meanwhile, Williams was not able to break out of their rough patch on Monday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They lost 15-3 to Needles. Surprisingly, this marked the fourth straight game that the away team has come away the victor.

Williams saw six different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Faith Jensen, who went 3-for-4 with one double.

Williams' loss dropped their record down to 6-9. As for Northland Prep Academy, their win bumped their record up to 5-1.

The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Wednesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Northland Prep Academy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.7 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Williams struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.9 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.

Northland Prep Academy couldn't quite get it done against Williams when the teams last played back in April of 2022 as they fell 8-5. Can the Spartans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.