Softball Game Preview: Palo Alto Vikings vs. Monta Vista Matadors

The Palo Alto Vikings are taking a road trip to face off against the Monta Vista Matadors at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Monta Vista took a loss in their last match and will be looking to turn the tables on Palo Alto, who comes in off a win.

Palo Alto made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Fremont, but they still couldn't quite topple them. Palo Alto put the hurt on Fremont with a sharp 12-3 win on Wednesday. That looming 12-3 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Vikings yet this season.

Kira Tzeng

Stolen Base (Career)

03/26/25 @ Fremont	4
03/19/25 @ Santa Clara	2
03/26/24 vs Santa Clara	2
02/26/25 vs Silver Creek	1
05/09/24 vs Monta Vista	1

Kira Tzeng was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 11 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing four bases while going 1-for-3. Those four stolen bases gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Palo Alto got a massive performance out of Riannah Soliman, who scored two runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-3. That's the most stolen bases Soliman has posted since back in March of 2024. Another player making a difference was Kensie Pao, who scored two runs and stole three bases while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances.

Meanwhile, Monta Vista was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their 13th straight defeat dating back to last season. They lost 21-11 to Lynbrook. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Matadors have suffered against the Vikings since May 5, 2021.

Palo Alto has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 4-2 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 6.5 runs over those games. Monta Vista's defeat dropped their record down to 0-2.

Palo Alto took their win against Monta Vista in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 12-1. The rematch might be a little tougher for Palo Alto since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.