Softball Recap: St. John Paul II Catholic Snaps 11-Game Streak of Losses at Home

St. John Paul II Catholic had lost 11 games at home dating back to last season, but after bumping their record up to 3-11 on Thursday that streak is in the rearview. Everything went their way against the Highland Prep West HORNETS as they made off with a 24-13 victory. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Lions considering their two-run performance the game before.

Paloma Ramirez-Haro and Elysia Barriga did most of the damage at the plate: Ramirez-Haro got on base in four of her six plate appearances with five stolen bases, four runs, and two RBI, while Barriga got on base in all five of her plate appearances with four stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. The dominant performance also gave Barriga a new career-high in hits (three). Another player making a difference was Iris Guzman, who went 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI.

Lions

On Base Percentage

04/24/25 vs Highland Prep West	78.7%
03/28/25 vs ALA - Anthem South	65.9%
04/15/25 @ Glendale Prep Academy	47.4%
04/11/25 @ Chandler Prep	45.8%
04/09/25 @ Wickenburg	20%

St. John Paul II Catholic always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .787. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

As for Highland Prep West, they have been struggling recently as they've lost eight of their last nine matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-13 record this season. That patch can't be blamed on the team's hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.7 runs over those games.

On Highland Prep West's side, Bianca Vega was cooking despite her team's loss, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. Vega is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Magic Warner, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.

Coming up, St. John Paul II Catholic will welcome Trivium Prep at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Highland Prep West does not have any more games scheduled as of now.