Softball Recap: Highlands Takes a Loss

Highlands extended their losing streak to 11 on Thursday, dropping them down to 4-12. They lost 20-1 to the Lindhurst Blazers. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Blazers this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 17-4 on Tuesday.

As for Lindhurst, the victory (which was their seventh in a row) raised their record to 11-3. They might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won nine matchups by six runs or more this season.

For Lindhurst's part, Abella Ramirez and Ashlynn Wheeler made a splash while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Ramirez tossed four innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. Meanwhile, Wheeler pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances. At bat, Ramirez went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run, while Wheeler went a perfect 3-for-3 with five stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. That's the most RBI Ramirez has posted since back in April of 2025.

In other batting news, Michelle Lockhart and Evelyn Kupser did most of the damage at the plate: Lockhart went 4-for-5 with three doubles, three RBI, and two runs, while Kupser got on base in all five of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one triple. The dominant performance also gave Kupser a new career-high in hits (three). Kimberly Diaz-Valadez was another key player, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Highlands will square off against Vacaville Christian at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Scots' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Falcons have averaged an impressive 6.2 runs per game this season. As for Lindhurst, they will face off against San Juan at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Spartans have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 18.89 runs per game on average), something the Blazers will no doubt try to take advantage of.