Softball Game Preview: Central Lee Hawks vs. Columbus Wildcats

Central Lee has gone a perfect 3-0 against Columbus recently and they'll look to pad the win column further on Monday. The Hawks will look to defend their home field against the Wildcats. Central Lee's pitching crew has only allowed 3.5 runs per game this season, so Columbus' hitters will have their work cut out for them.

Central Lee blew Fort Madison out of the water the last time the pair played, but on Saturday Fort Madison got their revenge. The Hawks fell just short of the Bloodhounds by a score of 6-4. It was the first time this season that the Hawks let down their fans at home.

Meanwhile, Columbus hadn't done well against Lone Tree recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. The Wildcats put the hurt on the Lions with a sharp 8-2 win. While the Wildcats didn't have the best season last year (they finished 6-17), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.

Central Lee's defeat dropped their record down to 8-2. As for Columbus, their victory bumped their record up to 5-2.

Central Lee was able to grind out a solid win over Columbus in their previous matchup back in June of 2024, winning 7-4. Will the Hawks repeat their success, or do the Wildcats have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.