Albuquerque Academy is 0-3 against Silver since April of 2022 but things could change on Saturday. Albuquerque Academy will take on Silver in a tournament on Saturday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the two teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Albuquerque Academy picked up another tournament win on Friday. They walked away with a 13-8 victory over Kirtland Central. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Chargers.
Melissa Purcella
| 03/21/25 vs Kirtland Central | 9 |
| 03/21/25 vs Pojoaque Valley | 3 |
| 03/15/25 vs Albuquerque | 5 |
| 03/13/25 vs Capital | 3 |
| 03/11/25 @ Sandia Prep | 5 |
| + 3 more games |
Melissa Purcella made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over six innings while giving up just two earned (and six unearned) runs off seven hits (and not a single walk). That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April of 2024. She was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off two home runs, three runs, and three RBI while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, Albuquerque Academy got a massive performance out of Addie Spratley, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That home run was Spratley's first of the season. Sydney Koranyi was another key player, scoring two runs while going 3-for-4.
Meanwhile, Silver faced Piedra Vista in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Friday. Silver put the hurt on Piedra Vista with a sharp 12-5 win. Considering the Fighting Colts have won six contests by more than six runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Azzy Madrid spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and two unearned) runs on five hits and racked up 14 Ks.
On the hitting side, Maria Ruelaz was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Isabell Villa, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs.
Silver was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .433. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Piedra Vista only posted a batting average of .259.
The victory (which was Silver's third in a row) raised their record to 9-3. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.3 runs on average over those games. As for Albuquerque Academy, they now have a winning record of 5-4.
Saturday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Albuquerque Academy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .419. However, it's not like Silver struggles in that department as they've averaged .420. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Albuquerque Academy suffered a grim 13-0 defeat to Silver in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can Albuquerque Academy avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
