Softball Game Preview: Half Moon Bay Cougars vs. Mills Vikings

The Half Moon Bay Cougars will take on the Mills Vikings at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Half Moon Bay has given up an average of 8 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Half Moon Bay fell victim to Notre Dame and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They lost 14-0 to the Tigers. Having soared to a lofty 20 runs in the game before, the Cougars' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.

Meanwhile, Mills had already won nine in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10.7 runs) and they went ahead and made it ten on Wednesday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Tigers a 21-0 shutout. The Vikings might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 15 matches by seven runs or more this season.

Hailey Pedroza looked comfortable as she pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Kalia Woo, who went 3-for-4 with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. That's the most hits she has posted since back in May of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Lucy Esquivel, who went 1-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.

Mills always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .647. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Mills' win bumped their record up to 20-3-1. As for Half Moon Bay, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost nine of their last 11 contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 8-15 record this season.

Half Moon Bay might still be hurting after the 10-0 defeat they got from Mills in their previous matchup back in April. Will the Cougars 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.