Soquel is 0-10 against Aptos since April of 2023 but things could change on Saturday. The Knights will venture away from home to square off against the Mariners at 2:00 p.m. Soquel is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.2 runs per game this season.
On Thursday, Soquel got the win against Santa Cruz by a conclusive 17-2. The victory continues a trend for the Knights in their matchups with the Cardinals: they've now won four in a row.
Kiyomi Dunlap and Hailey Leimas made a big impact no matter where they played. Throwing, Dunlap tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Leimas pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances. At bat, Dunlap went 2-for-3 with one home run and four RBI, while Leimas got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
Katie Niizawa
| 05/14/26 vs Santa Cruz | 4 |
| 03/24/26 @ San Lorenzo Valley | 3 |
| 04/28/26 @ Santa Cruz | 2 |
| 04/23/26 @ Harbor | 2 |
| 04/14/26 vs Scotts Valley | 2 |
In other batting news, Soquel got a massive performance out of Katie Niizawa, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with four runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Those four runs gave Niizawa a new career-high. Ellie Howell was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Soquel always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .636. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Santa Cruz only posted an OBP of .053.
Meanwhile, Aptos was able to grind out a solid win over San Lorenzo Valley on Thursday, taking the game 6-2.
Mya Najera-White spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on five hits.
On the hitting side, Aptos saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Kalina Healy, who went 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
Soquel's record now sits at 18-6. As for Aptos, their record is now 21-4.
Saturday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Soquel hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .350. However, it's not like Aptos struggles in that department as they've averaged .377. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Soquel might still be hurting after the 8-1 defeat they got from Aptos in their previous meeting last Thursday. Can the Knights avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
