The Somerset Academy - Canyons Cougars will square off against the Leonard Lancers at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Somerset Academy - Canyons has given up an average of 8.1 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Somerset Academy - Canyons lost 18-5 to Calvary Christian Academy on Wednesday.
Lisa Nguyen and Brianna Ayala stepped up to the plate in a big way. Nguyen scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances, while Ayala scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. That stolen base was Nguyen's first of the season.
Meanwhile, Leonard got the win against Atlantic Christian on Thursday by a conclusive 20-3. The result was nothing new for the Lancers, who have now won six contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Yanina Varela made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching four innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off one hit. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with five RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.
In other batting news, Arianna Sheerer was incredible, scoring four runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Alexis Resto, who scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances.
Leonard always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .658. They are 7-3 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Leonard has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-6 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 15.6 runs over those games. As for Somerset Academy - Canyons, their loss dropped their record down to 4-6.
Monday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Somerset Academy - Canyons has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .489. However, it's not like Leonard struggles in that department as they've averaged .615. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Somerset Academy - Canyons' way against Leonard when the teams last played back in April of 2023, as Somerset Academy - Canyons made off with a 16-0 win. Will the Cougars repeat their success, or do the Lancers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
