Ponder is 1-7 against Boyd since February of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Ponder Lions will take on the Boyd Yellowjackets at 5:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Ponder will bounce into Friday's match after beating Pilot Point, who they had gone 2-7 against in their nine prior meetings. Everything went Ponder's way against Pilot Point on Tuesday as Ponder made off with a 16-1 victory. While the Lions didn't have the best season last year (they finished 10-16), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Vada Cochrum
| 03/18/25 vs Pilot Point | 6 |
| 03/15/25 @ Whitesboro | 5 |
| 03/10/25 @ Paradise | 6 |
| 03/07/25 @ Castleberry | 16 |
| 03/04/25 @ Valley View | 7 |
| + 3 more games |
Vada Cochrum made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. She has been consistent : she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, Ponder got a massive performance out of Grayson Wells, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, one triple, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Tessa Taft, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
Meanwhile, Boyd came tearing into Saturday's game with five straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 3.6 runs), and they left with even more momentum. Their pitchers stepped up to hand the Wildcats a 15-0 shutout. The Yellowjackets' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Like Ponder, Boyd also got a great game from a two-way player: Abby Atkinson. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). What's more, Atkinson gave up only one walk, the fewest she's had over her last seven contests. She was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 1-for-3.
In other batting news, Stephanie Salas was incredible, scoring three runs while going 3-for-3. What's more, she posted two doubles, the most she's had since back in February. Gabby Salas also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Boyd hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Callisburg struck out eight times.
Boyd pushed their record up to 16-3-2 with the win, which was their eighth straight at home. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.6 runs on average over those games. As for Ponder, they are on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 6-2 record this season.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Ponder hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .441. However, it's not like Boyd struggles in that department as they've averaged .360. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Ponder might still be hurting after the 8-1 loss they got from Boyd in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can Ponder avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
