Softball Game Preview: Payne Tech Lions vs. Millburn Millers

For the first time this season, Payne Tech will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They are taking a road trip to take on the Millburn Millers at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Millburn took a loss in their last game and will be looking to turn the tables on Payne Tech, who comes in off a win.

While Lions fans will have to keep waiting for their team to come home, they shouldn't be too worried about the road trip considering the result of Thursday's season opener. They were the clear victors by a 23-0 margin over East Side on Thursday. The Lions haven't had any issues with the Red Raiders recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.

Olivia Mendez made a big impact no matter where she played. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out eight over four innings pitched. Mendez was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with three runs, four RBI, and one stolen base. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Leidy Soto Leyba was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. Those three hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Ayliana Hernandez, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with three RBI, two runs, and one triple.

Meanwhile, Millburn fell victim to West Orange and their airtight pitching crew on Thursday. They lost 12-0 to the Mountaineers. Having soared to a lofty 22 runs in the game before, the Millers' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.

Payne Tech skirted past Millburn 8-7 in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Lions since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.