Softball Game Preview: Independence vs. Loudoun County Captains

Independence are taking a road trip to challenge the Loudoun County Captains at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Independence is headed out to face Loudoun County after opening their season at home and giving their fans just what they were looking for. Independence skirted past Loudoun Valley 4-3.

Halliday Fulcher made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out seven batters over eight innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off six hits. Fulcher was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing Two bases. while going 1-for-4.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Andraya Santos, who scored a run while going 2-for-4. Sofia Sleeger was another key player, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.

Independence hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Loudoun Valley struck out seven times.

Meanwhile, Loudoun County had to travel to play their first game of the season, but the final result was worth the trip. They put the hurt on Rock Ridge with a sharp 16-0 win on Tuesday. The victory continues a trend for the Captains in their matchups with the Phoenix: they've now won nine in a row.

Like Independence, Loudoun County also got a great game from a two-way player: Lizzie Garlington. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Garlington was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.

In other pitching news, Madison Karschner looked comfortable as she struck out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and only one walk).

Back at the plate, Loudoun County got a massive performance out of Olivia Miller, who scored two runs while going 2-for-3. Another player making a difference was Abby Williams, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3.