Softball Game Preview: Albuquerque Academy Chargers vs. Del Norte Knights

Albuquerque Academy is 9-1 against Del Norte since April of 2019 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Tuesday. The Chargers will host the Knights at 4:00 p.m. Albuquerque Academy is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.7 runs per game this season.

On Friday, Albuquerque Academy came up short against Hope Christian and fell 8-5.

Melissa Purcella

Batters Struck Out

04/04/25 @ Hope Christian	10
04/02/25 vs Valley	14
03/27/25 @ Grants	15

Melissa Purcella was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. She struck out ten batters over 3.2 innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than ten strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.

Purcella wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Brooklynn Dominguez, who scored a run while going 1-for-4.

Meanwhile, Del Norte came up short against Bernalillo on Friday, falling 18-1. The Knights have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Albuquerque Academy now has a losing record of 7-8. As for Del Norte, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-14.

Tuesday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Albuquerque Academy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .353. However, it's not like Del Norte struggles in that department as they've averaged .465. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Everything went Albuquerque Academy's way against Del Norte in their previous meeting back in March, as Albuquerque Academy made off with an 18-3 victory. Will the Chargers repeat their success, or do the Knights have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.