The Newport Harbor Sailors will square off against the San Clemente Tritons at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Newport Harbor is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10 runs per game this season.
While Newport Harbor didn't have the best season last year (they finished 4-18), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They walked away with an 11-7 win over University on Tuesday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Sailors.
Virginia Peterson
| 03/04/25 @ University | 9 |
| 03/01/25 @ Buena Park | 8 |
| 02/24/25 vs Laguna Hills | 8 |
| 02/22/25 vs Costa Mesa | 9 |
| 02/22/25 vs Costa Mesa | 6 |
Virginia Peterson made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and four unearned) runs off eight hits. She has been consistent : she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Cora Jordan, who scored a run and stole a base while going 3-for-4. That stolen base was her first of the season. Brooklyn Black was another key player, scoring a run and stealing Two bases. while going 1-for-3.
Newport Harbor kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, San Clemente had already won three in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 6.7 runs) and they went ahead and made it four on Wednesday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Dolphins a 3-0 shutout. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last four times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Peyton Stokes was excellent, scoring a run and stealing Two bases. while getting on base in two of her three plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Sydney Bishop, who scored a run and stole Two bases. while getting on base in both of her plate appearances.
San Clemente pushed their record up to 5-3 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.3 runs on average over those games. As for Newport Harbor, their win bumped their record up to 5-1.
Thursday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Newport Harbor hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .375. However, it's not like San Clemente struggles in that department as they've averaged .323. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
