Softball Game Preview: Rancho Christian Eagles vs. Moreno Valley Vikings

Rancho Christian is 0-5 against Moreno Valley since March of 2023 but things could change on Thursday. The Eagles will welcome the Vikings at 3:15 p.m. Rancho Christian has given up an average of 10.7 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Rancho Christian is headed into Thursday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Tuesday. They lost 18-8 to Perris.

Hailey Whitman and Kaydence Erickson stepped up to the plate in a big way. Whitman went 3-for-4 with three runs and one triple, while Erickson scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3. Another player making a difference was Alina Schannette, who scored a run while going 2-for-4.

Meanwhile, Moreno Valley posted their closest victory since February 27th on Tuesday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 10-9 win over Citrus Hill. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Vikings.

Sophia Miramontes and Mia Licon did most of the damage at the plate: Miramontes scored a run and stole three bases while going 2-for-3, while Licon went 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. What's more, Miramontes posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Amera Collins, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-3.

Rancho Christian's defeat dropped their record down to 2-4. As for Moreno Valley, their victory bumped their record up to 6-7.

Moreno Valley's hitters will have their work cut out for them on Thursday. Rancho Christian has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.8 strikeouts per game. It's a different story for Moreno Valley, though, as they've been averaging only 2.8 strikeouts. Will Rancho Christian keep running through batters, or will the Vikings buck the trend?

Rancho Christian suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Moreno Valley in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Will the Eagles have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.