Softball Game Preview: Arizona College Prep Knights vs. Desert Mountain Wolves

For the second straight game, Arizona College Prep will face off against Desert Mountain. The Knights will head out on the road to face off against the Wolves at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Arizona College Prep 3.4, Desert Mountain 2) so any runs scored will be well earned.

Arizona College Prep is probably headed into the matchup with a chip on their shoulder considering Desert Mountain just ended the team's 18-game winning streak on Tuesday. They came up short against the Wolves, falling 8-1. The Knights were red-hot at the plate heading into the contest (they scored no less than ten runs in the three games prior), but the Wolves' pitcher proved too tough.

For Desert Mountain's part, Lilly 'Goose' Goodwin made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out 17 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits (and not a single walk). Goodwin has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 16 consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with three RBI and one double.

In other batting news, McKinsey Beyer was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing three bases while going 2-for-3. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged two or more in each of the last three games she's played. Renee Arabo was another key player, going a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run.

The victory (which was Desert Mountain's 18th in a row) raised their record to 21-1-1. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.5 runs over those games. As for Arizona College Prep, their loss was their first in the region, dropping their region record down to 6-1 and their overall record down to 20-4.

Thursday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Arizona College Prep has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .487. However, it's not like Desert Mountain struggles in that department as they've averaged .437. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.