Softball Game Preview: Valley Vikings vs. Mojave Rattlers

The Valley Vikings will head out on the road to challenge the Mojave Rattlers at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Valley comes in still looking for their first win of the season.

Monday just wasn't the day for Valley's offense. They came up short against Virgin Valley on Monday, falling 16-0.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Mojave, who bounced back after a loss on the road two weeks ago. They never let Durango get on the board and left with a 16-0 win last Friday. The Rattlers not only won last Friday, but they posted their biggest win since March 7, 2024.

Emiko-Lin Kalani made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Those hits marked the first that she allowed this season. She was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-2. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played.

In other batting news, Jadin Broadnax was a standout: she scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Tayla Printis, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-2.

Mojave always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .609. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Durango only posted an OBP of .250.

Valley's loss dropped their record down to 0-7. As for Mojave, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-4.

Wednesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Valley has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .496. However, it's not like Mojave struggles in that department as they've averaged .434. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Valley might still be hurting after the 37-17 defeat they got from Mojave in their previous matchup back in March of 2022. Can Valley avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.