Softball Game Preview: Sterling Golden Warriors vs. Rockridge Rockets

The Sterling Golden Warriors will venture away from home to challenge the Rockridge Rockets at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Sterling will aim to continue their three-game streak of scoring more runs each match than the last.

Sterling is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They put the hurt on Alleman with a sharp 17-4 win on Tuesday. The victory continues a trend for the Golden Warriors in their matchups with the Pioneers: they've now won nine in a row.

Mya Lira

Hits

04/15/25 @ Alleman	3
04/10/25 vs Galesburg	4
04/09/25 @ East Moline United	3
04/03/25 vs Rock Island	3
04/01/25 @ Quincy	4

Rosie Cantu and Mya Lira did most of the damage at the plate: Cantu scored two runs while going 2-for-3, while Lira went 3-for-5 with four RBI, one run, and one double. Lira has been hot, having posted three or more hits the last five times she's played. Marley Sechrest also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.

They weren't the only one making solid contact: Sterling kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in seven consecutive games.

Meanwhile, Rockridge suffered their closest loss since March 29, 2024 on Monday. They fell just short of Mercer County by a score of 10-8. The Rockets have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Emilee Black was cooking despite her team's loss, going 4-for-5 with one home run and four RBI. Charley Perkins was another key player, scoring two runs while going 2-for-5.

Rockridge's defeat dropped their record down to 8-3. As for Sterling, their win bumped their record up to 9-3.

Wednesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Sterling hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .337. However, it's not like Rockridge struggles in that department as they've averaged .345. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Sterling came out on top in a nail-biter against Rockridge in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, sneaking past 3-2. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Golden Warriors since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.