Softball Recap: Payne Tech Has No Trouble Against Arts

Lions

Margin (Wins)

04/03/25 @ East Side	23
04/14/25 vs Arts	16
04/01/25 vs West Caldwell Tech	15
04/04/25 @ Millburn	11
04/07/25 vs Montclair Kimberley Academy	10

While Payne Tech didn't have the best season last year (they finished 6-17), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They put the hurt on the Arts Jaguars with a sharp 17-1 win on Monday. The Lions might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five matchups by ten runs or more this season.

Olivia Mendez made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out six over four innings pitched. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That home run marked the first that she launched this season.

In other batting news, Leidy Soto Leyba was a standout: she went 1-for-2 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. Rose Lopez was another key player, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.

Payne Tech's victory bumped their record up to 5-2. As for Arts, they are on a four-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 1-5.

Looking ahead, Payne Tech will venture away from home to take on Belleville at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. As for Arts, they will welcome Newark Tech at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.