Softball Game Preview: Simi Valley Pioneers vs. Valencia Vikings

Simi Valley is 0-3 against Valencia since March of 2022 but things could change on Thursday. The Simi Valley Pioneers will challenge the Valencia Vikings at 3:30 p.m. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Last Tuesday, Simi Valley was able to grind out a solid victory over Rio Mesa, taking the game 8-4. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Pioneers.

Francesca Hall spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned runs on four hits.

At the plate, Leah Ortega-Vasquez was excellent, going 2-for-3 with one triple, one stolen base, and two RBI. Allison Hinds was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one home run and two RBI.

Meanwhile, Valencia had to kick off their season on the road on Tuesday, but they showed no ill effects. They were the clear victor by an 8-0 margin over Quartz Hill.

Not much got past Carly Kearns, who gave up just three hits and racked up eight Ks to keep Quartz Hill off the board.

On the hitting side, Valencia let Sydney Bolder and Scarlett Carlson loose on the outfield. Bolder scored two runs while going 4-for-5, while Carlson scored a run while going 3-for-4. Another player making a difference was Riley Josett, who scored a run while going 2-for-5.

Valencia was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .429. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Quartz Hill only posted a batting average of .167.

Simi Valley came up short against Valencia in their previous meeting back in February of 2024, falling 4-1. Can Simi Valley avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.