Rock Ridge hasn't had much luck against Loudoun Valley recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Phoenix will be playing in front of their home fans against the Vikings at 6:30 p.m. Rock Ridge has given up an average of 10.2 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Rock Ridge had been on a three-game streak of scoring at least ten runs, but Tuscarora put an end to it on Thursday. The Phoenix lost 12-2 to the Huskies.
Rock Ridge saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Riya Cherukuri, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one RBI.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Loudoun Valley). They were the clear victors by a 21-4 margin over Dominion on Thursday. Considering the Vikings have won five matches by more than six runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Hailey White and Maddie Howell were major factors no matter where they played. Throwing, White tossed three innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off three hits. Meanwhile, Howell tossed two innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. White has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances. At the plate, White got on base in three of her four plate appearances with three runs, two RBI, and one double, while Howell went 1-for-4 with two RBI and one run. Those two RBI gave Howell a new career-high.
In other batting news, Loudoun Valley got a massive performance out of Anna Ramos, who fired off two home runs, seven RBI, and three runs while going 3-for-3. Those two home runs gave Ramos a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Kayla Dunkerley, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
Loudoun Valley always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .711. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
The win made it two in a row for Loudoun Valley and bumps their season record up to 6-7. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 18.0 runs over those games. As for Rock Ridge, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-9.
Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Rock Ridge hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .314. However, it's not like Loudoun Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .328. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Rock Ridge couldn't quite get it done against Loudoun Valley in their previous matchup back in April of 2023 as they fell 7-2. Will the Phoenix 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.
