Softball Game Preview: Waterbury Career Academy Spartans vs. Holy Cross Crusaders

Waterbury Career Academy hasn't had much luck against Holy Cross recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Spartans will welcome the Crusaders at 11:00 a.m. After the two teams made easy work of their previous opponents, one won't be so lucky on Monday.

Waterbury Career Academy headed into their last matchup having not scored more than two runs for three straight, but Wilby let them put that streak behind them. The Spartans were the clear victors by a 19-1 margin over the Wildcats on Friday. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for the Spartans' hitters, who had struggled in the games prior.

Janessa Campos

Batters Struck Out (Career)

04/11/25 @ Wilby	12
04/09/25 vs Oxford	5
04/08/25 @ Naugatuck	1
04/05/25 vs Seymour	1
04/10/24 @ Holy Cross	1

Janessa Campos was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 12 over five innings pitched. Those 12 strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. She also put up a hit, which was her first of the season.

In other batting news, Waterbury Career Academy got a massive performance out of Najla Bush, who scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances. What's more, Bush posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in April of 2024. Jenesys Soto was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances.

Waterbury Career Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .800. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

The home team had won the previous four meetings between Holy Cross and Torrington, and Holy Cross kept the tradition alive. The Crusaders put the hurt on the Raiders with a sharp 11-2 win on Friday. The victory continues a trend for the Crusaders in their matchups with the Raiders: they've now won four in a row.

Waterbury Career Academy's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-4. As for Holy Cross, they now have a winning record of 2-1.

Waterbury Career Academy might still be hurting after the 15-0 loss they got from Holy Cross in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Will the Spartans have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.