Softball Game Preview: Shades Valley Mounties vs. Clay-Chalkville Cougars

The Shades Valley Mounties will head out on the road to take on the Clay-Chalkville Cougars at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Shades Valley knows how to get runs on the board -- the team has finished with ten runs or more in their past 12 matchups -- so hopefully Clay-Chalkville likes a good challenge.

On Thursday, Shades Valley got the win against Fultondale by a conclusive 15-1. The victory continues a trend for the Mounties in their matchups with the Wildcats: they've now won eight in a row.

Jenna Paxton

Runs Batted In

04/03/25 @ Fultondale	2
03/18/25 vs Ramsay	1
03/11/25 vs Clay-Chalkville	0
03/06/25 vs Minor	1
03/03/25 @ Ramsay	1
02/27/25 vs Fultondale	4

Jenna Paxton made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent : she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances. What's more, she posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in February.

In other batting news, Gigi Escobar and Ja'Miah Eaton did most of the damage at the plate: Escobar scored two runs while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances, while Eaton scored two runs while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Emma Perkins, who scored two runs while getting on base in both of her plate appearances.

Shades Valley always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .833. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Meanwhile, after soaring to 18 runs the game before, Clay-Chalkville was a bit more limited in their game on Tuesday. They lost 8-1 to St. Clair County. The loss continues a trend for the Cougars in their meetings with the Fighting Saints: they've now lost eight in a row.

Shades Valley's record now sits at 11-1. As for Clay-Chalkville, their defeat dropped their record down to 10-4-1.

Shades Valley skirted past Clay-Chalkville 11-10 in their previous meeting back in March. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Mounties since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.