Softball Game Preview: Valley Pirates vs. Round Valley Elks

Valley hasn't had much luck against Round Valley recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Pirates will welcome the Elks at 2:00 p.m. Valley has given up an average of 18.8 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Valley is headed into Friday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their sixth straight game on Tuesday. They came up short against Northland Prep Academy, falling 20-0. The contest marked the first time this season in which the Pirates were not able to get on the board.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Round Valley, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Thursday. Everything went their way against Pinon on Tuesday as they made off with a 12-1 victory. The win continues a trend for the Elks in their matchups with the Eagles: they've now won nine in a row.

Kinsley Crick and Carla Arreola made a big impact while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Crick tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Arreola tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances. At bat, Crick went 1-for-2 with one home run and two RBI, while Arreola went 1-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. That's the most runs Arreola has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, Ruth Wiltbank was a standout: she scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Skyler Hevener, who went 1-for-2 with one triple, one stolen base, and two RBI.

Round Valley was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .385. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

Valley's defeat dropped their record down to 0-6. As for Round Valley, their victory bumped their record up to 8-5.

Valley suffered a grim 18-1 defeat to Round Valley when the teams last played back in March of 2024. Can the Pirates avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.