Softball Game Preview: Palisades Pumas vs. Independence Patriots

The Palisades Pumas will square off against the Independence Patriots at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Palisades is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.

Palisades will bounce into Thursday's match after beating Forestview, who they had gone 0-3 against in their three prior meetings. Palisades walked away with a 6-2 victory over Forestview on Wednesday. That's two games straight that the Pumas have won by exactly four runs.

Ashby Jones spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on nine hits. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Janiya Johnson was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. What's more, she posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in April of 2024.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Independence, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Friday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand East Mecklenburg a 4-0 shutout on Tuesday.

Independence pushed their record up to 6-2 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.8 runs on average over those games. As for Palisades, the victory got them back to even at 5-5.