Softball Recap: Incarnate Word Academy's Losing Streak Snapped at Five Games

The matchup between Incarnate Word Academy and Valley Park on Monday hardly resembled the 3-0 effort from their previous meeting. The Red Knights put the hurt on the Hawks with a sharp 15-7 victory. The win was some much needed relief for the Red Knights as it spelled an end to their five-game losing streak.

Layla Portis

Runs (Career)

10/13/25 @ Valley Park	3
09/27/25 @ Cor Jesu Academy	2
09/24/25 vs Gateway Science Academy	2
09/22/25 vs Oakville	2
09/15/25 @ Parkway North	2

Layla Portis was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over seven innings while giving up six earned (and one unearned) runs off 11 hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with two stolen bases and three runs. Those three runs gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Alexis Clayborne was a standout: she got on base in three of her five plate appearances with four stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. Those four stolen bases gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Lauryn Walker, who got on base in five of her six plate appearances with three stolen bases and three runs.

Incarnate Word Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .587. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Valley Park only posted an OBP of .400.

Incarnate Word Academy's record is now 12-13. As for Valley Park, they now have a losing record of 9-10.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Incarnate Word Academy will challenge Parkway Central at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Valley Park, they will square off against St. Charles West at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday. The Hawks' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Warriors have averaged an impressive 6.9 runs per game this season.