Softball Game Preview: Sun Valley Spartans vs. Central Academy Cougars

The Sun Valley Spartans will challenge the Central Academy Cougars at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The timing isn't great for Sun Valley: they have been struggling with three straight losses at home, while Central Academy has snatched up four consecutive wins on the road.

Sun Valley took a ten-run loss the last time they faced off against Porter Ridge, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Spartans came out on top in a nail-biter against the Pirates on Tuesday, sneaking past 8-6. The win was a breath of fresh air for the Spartans as it put an end to their three-game losing streak.

Gretchen Daniel (2028) spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five earned (and one unearned) runs on two hits and racked up seven Ks.

Kendall Smith (2026)

Runs (Career)

04/01/25 @ Porter Ridge	3
02/25/25 vs Metrolina Christian Academy	2
03/18/24 @ Forest Hills	2
03/13/25 @ Butler	1
03/11/25 @ Charlotte Latin	1

At the plate, Sun Valley let Gracyn Hawk (2026) and Kendall Smith (2026) run wild. Hawk (2026) scored a run while going 2-for-4, while Smith (2026) scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3. Those three runs gave Smith (2026) a new career-high. Moriah Garcia (2026) was another key player, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.

Meanwhile, after soaring to ten runs the game before, Central Academy was a bit more limited in their contest on Tuesday. They took a 5-2 hit to the loss column at the hands of Cuthbertson.

Kieryn Peters was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one double.

Central Academy's defeat dropped their record down to 7-6. As for Sun Valley, their victory was their first in the conference, bumping their conference record up to 1-3 and their overall record up to 4-6.

Sun Valley suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to Central Academy in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. Will the Spartans have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.