Softball Recap: Gilbert Classical Academy Comes Up Short

Gilbert Classical Academy extended their losing streak to three on Tuesday, dropping them down to 1-8. They lost 19-0 to the Santa Cruz Valley Dust Devils. While getting shut out isn't ideal, the Spartans haven't been shut out since back in March.

As for Santa Cruz Valley, with the win, they broke their three-game losing streak and moved their record to 6-7. That 19-run margin sets a new team best for them this season.

For Santa Cruz Valley's part, Layla Brown was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out nine over five innings pitched. Brown has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one walk in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI.

In other batting news, Santa Cruz Valley got a massive performance out of Mikayla Leos, who fired off three triples, four runs, and two RBI while going 4-for-4. Those three triples gave Leos a new career-high. Audrina Reyes was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs.

Coming up, Gilbert Classical Academy will welcome Pima at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The Spartans' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Roughriders have averaged an impressive 11.6 runs per game this season. As for Santa Cruz Valley, they will venture away from home to face off against Heritage Academy at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. The Heroes' pitching crew has only allowed 3.2 runs per game this season, so the Dust Devils' hitters will have their work cut out for them.