Softball Game Preview: La Jolla Vikings vs. Hoover Cardinals

La Jolla has gone a perfect 5-0 against Hoover recently and they'll look to pad the win column further on Friday. The Vikings will square off against the Cardinals at 4:00 p.m. La Jolla has given up an average of 14.1 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

La Jolla is probably headed into the matchup with a chip on their shoulder considering Lincoln just ended the team's three-game winning streak on Friday. They lost 20-8 to the Hornets.

Jerri Taylor

Home Runs

05/09/25 @ Lincoln	1
05/07/25 vs High Tech SD	1
05/02/25 vs Kearny	1
04/30/25 vs Hoover	1
04/25/25 vs Morse	1

Jerri Taylor made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. She has been hot, having posted at least one home run the last five times she's played. Madeleine Ehlert also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.

Meanwhile, Hoover was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their fifth straight loss. They came up short against High Tech SD, falling 19-4.

Hoover saw eight different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Lilly Robles, who went 1-for-2 with two runs. Priscilla Lopez was another, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one RBI.

Hoover's defeat dropped their record down to 4-17. As for La Jolla, their loss dropped their record down to 8-13.

Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. La Jolla has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .471. However, it's not like Hoover struggles in that department as they've averaged .556. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Everything went La Jolla's way against Hoover when the teams last played two weeks ago, as La Jolla made off with a 17-1 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Vikings since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.