Softball Recap: Rock Ridge Comes Up Short

Rock Ridge extended their losing streak to four on Thursday, dropping their season record down to 6-12 in the process. They came up short against the Loudoun Valley Vikings, falling 14-0. Considering the last time the Phoenix couldn't score was back in April, the team can't take the result too hard.

As for Loudoun Valley, their victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 8-7. They haven't had any issues with Rock Ridge recently, as the game was their ninth consecutive win against them.

For Loudoun Valley's part, Maia Valenti and Alex Ordaz made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Valenti pitched 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Ordaz pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances. At the plate, Valenti went 2-for-3 with five RBI, three runs, and one triple, while Ordaz went 1-for-2 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. Those five RBI gave Valenti a new career-high.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Harlie Reich, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and two doubles. Gabby Irizarry also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.

Rock Ridge and Loudoun Valley could both be facing uphill battles in their next games considering their disadvantage in the MaxPreps Virginia Rankings. The Phoenix will square off against Heritage at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday with a big rank disadvantage (271 vs. 115). Meanwhile, Loudoun Valley (ranked 103rd) will meet Woodgrove (ranked tenth) at 6:30 p.m. on Friday.