Softball Game Preview: Cottonwood Colts vs. Hillcrest Huskies

The Cottonwood Colts are taking a road trip to take on the Hillcrest Huskies at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Cottonwood has given up an average of 13.4 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Cottonwood is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 14 runs on Friday, they were much more limited against Tooele on Monday. They came up short against the Buffaloes, falling 16-1. The defeat continues a trend for the Colts in their meetings with the Buffaloes: they've now lost seven in a row.

Samantha Rodriguez made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, two doubles, and one RBI. Those doubles marked the first that she hit this season.

Meanwhile, Hillcrest got the win against Corner Canyon on Monday by a conclusive 7-1. The victory continues a trend for the Huskies in their matchups with the Chargers: they've now won three in a row.

Hillcrest let Lila Vawdrey and Adrie Sullivan run wild. Vawdrey scored three runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-2, while Sullivan scored two runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-2. Those two hits gave Sullivan a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Skylynn Salazar Bell, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one triple.

Hillcrest always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .654. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Corner Canyon only posted an OBP of .400.

Cottonwood now has a losing record of 3-4. As for Hillcrest, their record now sits at 4-8.

Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Cottonwood has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .467. However, it's not like Hillcrest struggles in that department as they've averaged .433. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Cottonwood might still be hurting after the 19-3 loss they got from Hillcrest in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can Cottonwood avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.