Softball Game Preview: Bloomington South Panthers vs. Bedford North Lawrence Stars

Bloomington South hasn't had much luck against Bedford North Lawrence recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Panthers will be playing at home against the Stars at 6:00 p.m. Neither Bloomington South nor Bedford North Lawrence posted many runs in their last games, so it might be the pitching crews that decide this one.

It was a proper cat-fight when Bloomington South duked it out with North Daviess on Thursday. The Panthers fell just short of the Cougars by a score of 3-2. The Panthers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Bloomington South got a good showing from Rachel Johnson, who pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Johnson has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Bloomington South saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Larkyn Ivey, who went 1-for-2 with one run and one double. Another was Evie Carpenter, who went 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI.

Meanwhile, after a string of three wins, Bedford North Lawrence's good fortune finally ran out on Monday. They fell just short of Northeast Dubois by a score of 3-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Stars have suffered since May 20, 2024.

Bedford North Lawrence's defeat dropped their record down to 19-10. As for Bloomington South, their loss dropped their record down to 10-5.

Tuesday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Bloomington South hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .318. However, it's not like Bedford North Lawrence struggles in that department as they've averaged .343. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Bloomington South might still be hurting after the 11-3 defeat they got from Bedford North Lawrence in their previous meeting back in May of 2023. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.