Serrano hasn't had much luck against Apple Valley recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Diamondbacks will welcome the Sun Devils at 3:15 p.m. Serrano will be strutting in after a victory while Apple Valley will be coming in after a loss.
Serrano came out on top against Hesperia on Thursday thanks in part to the team's impressive 14-run fifth inning. The Diamondbacks blew past the Scorpions 18-2. The Diamondbacks might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven matches by nine runs or more this season.
Sam Conan was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out nine over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in February.
Wendy Arauz
| 04/17/25 @ Hesperia | 3 |
| 03/07/25 vs Arroyo Valley | 2 |
| 02/28/25 vs Rim of the World | 2 |
| 04/12/24 vs Hesperia | 2 |
| 03/14/24 @ Hesperia | 2 |
In other batting news, Serrano got a massive performance out of Wendy Arauz, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three runs. Those three runs gave Arauz a new career-high. Aubrey Malone was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and one run.
Serrano always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .571. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Hesperia only posted an OBP of .100.
Oak Hills hit Apple Valley with a four-run seventh inning on Thursday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Sun Devils lost 13-2 to the Bulldogs. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Sun Devils have suffered against the Bulldogs since March 30, 2022.
Apple Valley saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Makaylee Cerf, who went 3-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI. Another was Samantha Dollar, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base and one run.
The win got Serrano back to even at 10-10. As for Apple Valley, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 10-6-1.
Tuesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Serrano has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .519. However, it's not like Apple Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .446. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Serrano came up short against Apple Valley in their previous matchup on April 3rd, falling 9-6. Will the Diamondbacks 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.
