Softball Game Preview: Lutheran Northwest Crusaders vs. Shrine Catholic Knights

For the second straight game, Lutheran Northwest will face off against Shrine Catholic. The Crusaders will look to defend their home field on Saturday against the Knights at 10:30 p.m. One thing working in Lutheran Northwest's favor is that they have posted at least ten runs in their last four matches.

On Saturday, Lutheran Northwest made easy work of Shrine Catholic and carried off an 11-1 win. The result was nothing new for the Crusaders, who have now won eight contests by ten runs or more so far this season.

Ember Sampson

Stolen Base (Career)

05/03/25 vs Shrine Catholic	3
04/29/25 vs Whitmore Lake	2
04/22/25 vs Inter-City Baptist	2
04/22/25 vs Inter-City Baptist	1
04/12/25 vs Mott	1

Ember Sampson was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, three RBI, and one run. Those three stolen bases gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Julia Conners, who went 1-for-2 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.

Lutheran Northwest has been performing well recently as they've won seven of their last nine games. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-5 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.9 runs over those games. As for Shrine Catholic, their loss dropped their record down to 8-3.

The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Saturday as neither team is afraid to steal. Lutheran Northwest has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Shrine Catholic struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.2 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.