Softball Game Preview: Laurel Christian Lions vs. Centreville Academy Tigers

The Laurel Christian Lions will face off against the Centreville Academy Tigers at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Laurel Christian's pitching crew has only allowed 2.6 runs per game this season, so Centreville Academy's hitters will have their work cut out for them.

Laurel Christian will roll into the contest after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up one run on Monday, then bounced right back against Simpson Academy on Tuesday. The Lions were the clear victors by a 10-2 margin over the Cougars. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for the Lions' hitters, who had struggled in the games prior.

Leyla Rigby made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run over seven innings pitched. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one walk in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in August of 2024.

Emma Risher

Runs Batted In (Career)

08/12/25 vs Simpson Academy	4
09/13/24 @ Lamar Christian	2
08/27/24 vs Sylva Bay Academy	2
08/24/24 vs Columbia Academy	2
08/13/24 vs Christian Collegiate Academy	2

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Emma Risher, who went 3-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one double. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Lily Shoemake, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.

Laurel Christian was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .406. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.

Meanwhile, Centreville Academy had to hit the road for their first game and it wasn't the result they were hoping for. They fell just short of Laurel Christian by a score of 3-1 on Thursday.

Laurel Christian's victory bumped their record up to 5-2. As for Centreville Academy, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-1.

Laurel Christian skirted past Centreville Academy 3-1 in their previous meeting on Thursday. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Lions since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.