While Payne Tech didn't have the best season last year (they finished 6-17), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They put the hurt on the Montclair Kimberley Academy Cougars with a sharp 18-8 win on Monday. The Lions' victory was nothing new given the team hasn't lost yet this season.
Leidy Soto Leyba made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over six innings while giving up three earned (and five unearned) runs off six hits. Those nine strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with one home run, six RBI, and two runs. Soto Leyba is crushing it when it comes to RBI: she's brought in at least four every time she's taken the field this season.
Anais Soto
| 04/07/25 vs Montclair Kimberley Academy | 4 |
| 04/04/25 @ Millburn | 3 |
| 04/03/25 @ East Side | 2 |
| 05/13/24 vs Newark Academy | 1 |
| 04/29/24 vs East Side | 1 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Anais Soto, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with one home run, four runs, and four RBI. Those four runs gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Olivia Mendez, who scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances.
Payne Tech's record now sits at 4-0. As for Montclair Kimberley Academy, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 2-2.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Payne Tech will host Nutley at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. As for Montclair Kimberley Academy, they will look to take advantage of their home field for the first time this season as they take on Glen Ridge at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
