The Central Valley Bears will head out on the road to face off against the Shadle Park Highlanders at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Shadle Park took a loss in their last matchup and will be looking to turn the tables on Central Valley, who comes in off a win.
On Thursday, Central Valley needed a bit of extra time to put away Gonzaga Prep. They had just enough and edged out the Bullpups 7-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Bears have posted since March 20, 2025.
Shiloh McCoy was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out six batters over nine innings while giving up four earned (and three unearned) runs off 12 hits (and not a single walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with three RBI, one run, and one double. That hit marked the first that she has got this season.
Ella Bendele
| 03/26/26 vs Gonzaga Prep | 3 |
| 03/25/26 @ Lewis & Clark | 2 |
| 03/23/26 @ Ferris | 1 |
| 03/20/26 vs Cheney | 2 |
| 03/17/26 @ Mead | 1 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ella Bendele, who went 4-for-5 with one home run, three stolen bases, and two runs. Bendele is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's snagged at least one every time she's taken the field this season. Sophia Melcher was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBI and one double.
Central Valley kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Shadle Park fought the good fight in their extra-innings game against Gonzaga Prep on Friday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Bullpups by a score of 15-14. The Highlanders just can't catch a break and have now endured five defeats in a row.
Abby Smith led a balanced group of hitters, getting on base in three of her six plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. Another player making a difference was Bella Dahl, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Central Valley's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-4. As for Shadle Park, their loss dropped their record down to 1-5.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Central Valley has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.2 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Shadle Park struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.2 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Central Valley suffered a grim 13-1 defeat to Shadle Park in their previous meeting back in April of 2025. Can the Bears avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
