Softball Game Preview: University Wildcats vs. Los Angeles CES Unicorns

The University Wildcats will head out on the road to face off against the Los Angeles CES Unicorns at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday. University has given up an average of 8.7 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

University fought the good fight in their extra-innings match against Palisades on Monday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They came up short against the Dolphins, falling 25-18. While the Wildcats didn't get the win, they did start the game off strong, beating the Dolphins 9-2 in the first period.

Ditagi Smith and Julissa Jimenez did some serious damage despite the final result: Smith got on base in four of her six plate appearances with two runs and two RBI, while Jimenez got on base in two of her six plate appearances with two runs and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Daniela Escobar, who got on base in three of her six plate appearances with two runs and two RBI.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles CES fell victim to Venice and their airtight pitching crew on Monday. They lost 26-0 to the Gondoliers. While getting shut out isn't ideal, the Unicorns haven't been shut out since back in April.

Los Angeles CES has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-6 record this season. Those defeats can't be blamed on the team's hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.5 runs over those games. As for University, they dropped their record down to 5-7 with the loss, which was their fourth straight at home.

University suffered a grim 12-5 defeat to Los Angeles CES when the teams last played back in April. Can the Wildcats avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.