Softball Game Preview: Lincolnview Lancers vs. Paulding Panthers

The Lincolnview Lancers will venture away from home to square off against the Paulding Panthers at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Lincolnview is coming into the contest hot, having won their last five games.

On Saturday, Lincolnview got the win against Defiance by a conclusive 8-2. The result was nothing new for the Lancers, who have now won 14 games by six runs or more so far this season.

Meanwhile, Paulding came into Wednesday's matchup having lost five straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They won by a run and slipped past Antwerp 6-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Panthers have posted since April 9, 2024.

Tia Mendez spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five earned runs on six hits.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Brooklynn Bakle, who went 3-for-4 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April. Gabby Stork also deserves some recognition as she scored her first run of the season.

They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Paulding kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are 6-3 when they post 11 or more hits.

Lincolnview's victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 19-3. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.8 runs on average over those games. As for Paulding, their record is now 8-9.

Lincolnview couldn't quite get it done against Paulding when the teams last played back in May of 2024 as they fell 11-8. Can the Lancers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.