Softball Preview: Calumet Christian Patriots vs. Elkhart Christian Academy Eagles
The Calumet Christian Patriots will head out on the road to take on the Elkhart Christian Academy Eagles at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Calumet Christian is no doubt hoping to put an end to a three-game streak of away losses.
Calumet Christian will head into Friday's game out to bounce back: they came back down to earth on Friday after soaring to a 11-run match in their last game. They fell just short of Hammond Bishop Noll by a score of 8-6.
Nora Prim was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3. The team also got some help courtesy of Deidra Keelan, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI and two doubles.
Meanwhile, Elkhart Christian Academy scored the most runs they've had all season to find success on Tuesday. They blew past South Bend Washington 21-7. Elkhart Christian Academy might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team's won five matchups by eight runs or more this season.
Naomi Herbster made a big impact no matter where she played. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out eight over four innings pitched. Herbster has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive pitching appearances. Herbster was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.
In other batting news, Elkhart Christian Academy got a massive performance out of Lily Shannon, who scored three runs and stole three bases while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Ryleigh Viront was another key contributor, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances.
Calumet Christian's loss dropped their record down to 9-6. As for Elkhart Christian Academy, the win got them back to even at 8-8.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Calumet Christian has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Elkhart Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.6. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Calumet Christian skirted past Elkhart Christian Academy 6-5 in their previous meeting back in May of 2023. Will Calumet Christian repeat their success, or does Elkhart Christian Academy have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
