Softball Recap: Valmeyer Takes a Loss

Valmeyer extended their losing streak to six on Thursday, dropping their season record down to 1-6 in the process. They came up short against the Marissa/Coulterville Meteors, falling 7-0. The Pirates were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Meteors apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in May of 2024.

As for Marissa/Coulterville, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won seven of their last eight matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-4 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.5 runs over those games.

For Marissa/Coulterville's part, Analiese Howell made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 11 over seven innings pitched. Those 11 strikeouts gave Howell a new career-high. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run.

Howell wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Paityn Hand, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. Hand has been hot recently, having posted three or more hits the last three times she's played. Ayla Ranck also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.

Coming up, Valmeyer will take on Dupo at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Pirates' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Tigers have averaged an impressive 6.1 runs per game this season. As for Marissa/Coulterville, they will host Steeleville at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.