Softball Game Preview: Leonard Lancers vs. Suncoast Chargers

Leonard is 0-8 against Suncoast since February of 2015 but things could change on Monday. The Lancers will venture away from home to square off against the Chargers at 6:30 p.m. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Leonard has three straight victories, Suncoast has six straight defeats), but none of that matters once you're on the field.

Last Wednesday, Leonard earned a 13-10 win over Royal Palm Beach.

Yanina Varela spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and eight unearned) runs on five hits and racked up eight Ks.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Arianna Sheerer, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-5. Another player making a difference was Chanel Webb, who scored a run and stole two bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.

Leonard always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .526. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .526 or higher in seven consecutive matches.

Meanwhile, Suncoast lost 15-5 to Boca Raton on Thursday.

Jenesis Spence was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-2. Ellah Vargas also deserves some recognition as she scored her first run of the season.

Leonard now has a winning record of 6-5. As for Suncoast, their loss dropped their record down to 1-6.

Suncoast's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Leonard hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .366. It's a different story for Suncoast, though, as they've only averaged .250. Will they be able to contain Leonard's hitters?

Leonard suffered a grim 15-1 defeat to Suncoast in their previous matchup back in February. Can the Lancers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.