Youngker hasn't had much luck against Verrado recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Roughriders will host the Vipers at 3:45 p.m. Youngker has given up an average of 17.8 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Youngker is headed into Friday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Wednesday. They fell 12-7 to Desert Edge.
Youngker got a big performance out of Oliva Vega, who went 1-for-4 with one triple, one stolen base, and two RBI. Audrina Torres was another key player, scoring two runs while going 2-for-4.
Meanwhile, Verrado had already won 14 in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10.7 runs) and they went ahead and made it 15 on Thursday. They walked away with a 6-2 win over the Scorpions.
Jill Ryan spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on six hits and racked up 13 Ks.
On the hitting side, Dakota Chazaro and Jaiden Stell did most of the damage at the plate: Chazaro went 2-for-3 with one home run, while Stell went 2-for-4 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Cameron Marchese, who went 1-for-4 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.
Verrado's victory was their sixth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 15-1. Those road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Youngker, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-10.
Friday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Youngker hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .317. However, it's not like Verrado struggles in that department as they've averaged .449. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Youngker suffered a grim 19-0 defeat to Verrado in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Will the Roughriders have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
