Valhalla takes battle of top two teams
- Updated: May 5, 2023
2023 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL
By Adam Paul
SANTEE – A gem of a performance by Valhalla’s Naomi Villalva, who didn’t allow any runs, led the Valhalla Norsemen to a win over West Hills 6-0 in a showdown of the top two teams on Friday (May 5) in Grossmont Valley League action.
Valhalla, who came into the contest trailing by a game in the standings, knew they were in for a battle and all scoring opportunities were needed.
The Norsemen would strike first as Villalva helped her own cause with an RBI single scoring Preslee Fink to give them a 1-0 lead. They would add another run later in the inning when Liliana Moscoso scored on a passed ball giving them a second run to make it 2-0.
Later, in the fifth inning, Valhalla would add to their lead when Liliana Alvarado blasted a two-run shot, and Cadyn Ruffer, with two outs, doubled in a run to give them a 5-0 lead.
West Hills, who came into the game riding a six-game winning streak, just couldn’t get the bats going, despite tallying seven hits in the contest.
Katy Spargo, on fire of late, would be held in check, as her only hit was a double in the first inning.
Samiya Wright would lead the Pack at the plate with two hits on the day, including a double.
For the Norsemen, both Villalva and Ruffer each had a pair of hits to lead the charge, including driving in a run apiece.
Villalva was the winning pitcher for Valhalla. She would go the full seven innings, allowing seven hits and striking out two in the shutout victory.
On the other side, for the Wolf Pack, Ava Goodman took the loss, allowing five runs on five hits over five innings of work, in which she struck out nine.
The victory by the Norsemen improves their record to 14-11-1 overall and 7-1 in the Grossmont Valley League while the Wolf Pack falls to 15-7-1 overall and 7-1 in League.
The outcome of the league more than likely will come down to the final day of the regular season with the Grossmont Foothillers playing a potential role as spoilers as they take on Valhalla on Friday (May 12).
