Aptos is on a six-game streak of home wins, while Soquel is on a five-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Mariners will host the Knights at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Aptos 3.7, Soquel 2.6) so any runs scored will be well earned.
On Thursday, Aptos was able to grind out a solid win over San Lorenzo Valley, taking the game 6-2.
Mya Najera-White
| 05/14/26 vs San Lorenzo Valley | 1 |
| 05/12/26 vs Scotts Valley | 1 |
| 05/07/26 @ Soquel | 0 |
Mya Najera-White spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on five hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Aptos saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Kalina Healy, who went 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Soquel got the win against Santa Cruz on Thursday by a conclusive 17-2. The result was nothing new for the Knights, who have now won 13 games by eight runs or more so far this season.
Kiyomi Dunlap and Hailey Leimas made a big impact while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Dunlap pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Leimas pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. At the plate, Dunlap went 2-for-3 with one home run and four RBI, while Leimas got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
In other batting news, Soquel got a massive performance out of Katie Niizawa, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with four runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Those four runs gave Niizawa a new career-high. Ellie Howell was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Soquel lost a few balls and finished the game with three home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
Aptos' victory bumped their record up to 21-4. As for Soquel, their win bumped their record up to 18-6.
Saturday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Aptos has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .443. However, it's not like Soquel struggles in that department as they've averaged .460. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Aptos' way against Soquel when the teams last played last Thursday, as Aptos made off with an 8-1 victory. Do the Mariners have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Knights turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
