Lucerne Valley hasn't had much luck against Academy of Careers & Exploration recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Mustangs will face off against the Eagle at 3:15 p.m. Lucerne Valley has given up an average of 21.7 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Lucerne Valley is headed into Friday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their tenth straight game dating back to last season on Friday. They came up short against Hesperia Christian, falling 20-2. Having soared to a lofty 19 runs in the game before, the Mustangs couldn't push the score so high this time.
Lucerne Valley saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Genesis Ayala, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-2.
Meanwhile, Academy of Careers & Exploration got the win against Silver Valley on Tuesday by a conclusive 22-2. That looming 22-2 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Eagle yet this season.
Izabella Sanchez was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 11 batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. She also put up four walks, which were her first of the season. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with four RBI, one triple, and one stolen base. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Kamie Costa was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with five RBI, two runs, and one triple. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Taylor Coffel, who scored three runs and stole four bases while going 3-for-3.
Academy of Careers & Exploration was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .654. They are 6-1-1 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Lucerne Valley's loss dropped their record down to 0-7. As for Academy of Careers & Exploration, they now have a winning record of 7-6-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Lucerne Valley has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 9.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Academy of Careers & Exploration struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.9 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Lucerne Valley suffered a grim 27-13 defeat to Academy of Careers & Exploration when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Mustangs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
