The Arroyo Valley Hawks will challenge the Notre Dame Titans at 3:45 p.m. on Monday. Arroyo Valley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.9 runs per game this season.
Arroyo Valley's pitching crew heads into the matchup hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Friday. Everything went their way against Rim of the World as they made off with a 10-0 victory. The Hawks haven't had any issues with the Fighting Scots recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive win against them.
Mariana Barlow was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run over five innings pitched. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one walk in six consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBI and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Francine Cruz was incredible, going 2-for-3 with four RBI, one triple, and one run. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Cianna Atilano, who got on base in all three of her plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
Arroyo Valley always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .607. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, it was close, but on Friday Notre Dame sidestepped Fontana for a 6-5 victory. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Titans have posted against the Steelers since April 7, 2023.
Like Arroyo Valley, Notre Dame also got a great game from a two-way player: Mikey Rodriguez. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over seven innings while giving up five earned runs off six hits. Rodriguez was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one run and one double.
In other batting news, Notre Dame let Sydney Cramer and Katie Correa run wild. Cramer got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs, while Correa went 2-for-3 with three RBI. Another player making a difference was Eliana Lomeli, who went 3-for-4 with two runs.
Arroyo Valley's victory bumped their record up to 6-8-2. As for Notre Dame, their win bumped their record up to 8-9-1.
Monday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Arroyo Valley hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .380. However, it's not like Notre Dame struggles in that department as they've averaged .338. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Arroyo Valley took their victory against Notre Dame in their previous matchup on Wednesday by a conclusive 11-2 score. Will the Hawks repeat their success, or do the Titans have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
