Softball Recap: Sandy Valley Comes Up Short

Sandy Valley had lost six straight on the road dating back to last season, but on Saturday they dropped down to 2-8 to make it seven. They came up short against the Tonopah Muckers, falling 16-1. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Sidewinders of the 20-3 defeat they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in April of 2025.

As for Tonopah, the win was the third in a row for them, bringing their record up to 3-12. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 21.3 runs over those games.

For Tonopah's part, Gabrielle Strozzi made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. Strozzi has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, five RBI, and three runs. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2025.

In other batting news, Jacy Kiersh was incredible, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Ava Willis, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.

The teams didn't have to wait long for a rematch: Tonopah beat Sandy Valley by a score of 14-4 later that day.