Softball Game Preview: Northridge Grizzlies vs. Berthoud Spartans

Northridge hasn't had much luck against Berthoud recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Grizzlies will venture away from home to challenge the Spartans at 4:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

Having struggled with four defeats in a row, Northridge turned things around against Mountain View on Saturday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand the Mountain Lions a 15-0 shutout. The high-scoring effort was just what the Grizzlies needed considering they were shut out in their previous game.

Meanwhile, Berthoud got the win against Timnath on Saturday by a conclusive 20-2. That's two games straight that the Spartans have won by exactly 18 runs.

Chloe Sadar-Holmes made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She tossed three innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off five hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 14 consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in August.

In other batting news, Berthoud got a massive performance out of Camryn Olivas, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. That's the most runs Olivas has posted over her last ten contests. Alana Lukensow was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three runs, one double, and one RBI.

Berthoud kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in three consecutive matchups.

Northridge's record is now 9-7. As for Berthoud, their record now sits at 10-8.

Northridge might still be hurting after the 9-1 loss they got from Berthoud in their previous matchup last Thursday. Can the Grizzlies avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.