Softball Recap: Van Nuys Wins Going Away Against Grant

Wolves

Margin (Wins)

03/28/25 @ Canoga Park	15
04/11/25 @ Grant	14
03/19/25 vs Panorama	12
03/15/25 vs St. Mary's Academy	11

Van Nuys made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Grant, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Wolves were the clear victors by a 19-5 margin over the Lancers on Friday. Considering the Wolves have won four contests by more than ten runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

ARIEL PUENTE was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up five earned runs off five hits. PUENTE was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three runs. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on ALISA LARA, who fired off two home runs and three RBI while going 3-for-3. Those two home runs gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Michelle Cadena, who scored two runs and stole five bases while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.

Van Nuys kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That's a new trend for them: they were averaging 5.1 hits per game earlier this season, but in their last 15 matchups they've averaged 9.8.

Van Nuys' victory bumped their record up to 5-7. As for Grant, they dropped their record down to 0-7 with the defeat, which was their eighth straight at home dating back to last season.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Van Nuys will have some time to savor their win since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Monroe at 3:00 p.m. on the 23rd. The Vikings have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 14.25 runs per game on average), something the Wolves will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for Grant, they will face off against Northridge Academy at 2:30 p.m. on the 21st. The Lancers' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Pumas have averaged an impressive 15 runs per game this season.