Softball Game Preview: Monroe Vikings vs. Van Nuys Wolves

After both having extra time off, the Monroe Vikings and the Van Nuys Wolves will shake off the rust and duke it out at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Monroe has given up an average of 14.2 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Monroe came up short against Sylmar last Friday, falling 17-5. The Vikings have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Meanwhile, after only one run in their last contest, Van Nuys made sure to put some runs up on the board against Grant last Friday. The Wolves were the clear victors by a 19-5 margin over the Lancers. The Wolves might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four matchups by 11 runs or more this season.

ARIEL PUENTE made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up five earned runs off five hits. PUENTE was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three runs. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, ALISA LARA was incredible, firing off two home runs and three RBI while going 3-for-3. Those two home runs gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Michelle Cadena, who got on base in all three of her plate appearances with five stolen bases and two runs.

Van Nuys kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That's a new trend for them: they were averaging 5.1 hits per game earlier this season, but in their last 15 games they've averaged 9.8.

Monroe's defeat dropped their record down to 3-5. As for Van Nuys, their record now sits at 5-7.

Monroe couldn't quite get it done against Van Nuys in their previous meeting back in February of 2024 as they fell 13-10. Can the Vikings avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.