Softball Game Preview: Heritage Panthers vs. Melbourne Bulldogs

Heritage hasn't had much luck against Melbourne recently, but that could start to change on Monday. After both having extra time off, the two teams will dust off their jerseys to take on one another at 6:00 p.m. Heritage has given up an average of 16.7 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.

Heritage is headed into Monday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game last Thursday. They lost 20-4 to Eau Gallie. That's two games in a row now that the Panthers have lost by exactly 16 runs.

Heritage saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Kelly Brown, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI. Jenna Hoffer also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.

Meanwhile, Melbourne came up short against Viera last Tuesday and fell 8-5.

Layna Ayala made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-4 with one home run and three RBI. She is on a roll when it comes to home runs, as she's now launched at least one in each of the last four games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Ella Sutliff, who went 1-for-2 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.

Heritage's defeat dropped their record down to 2-7. As for Melbourne, their loss dropped their record down to 5-5.

Heritage suffered a grim 15-0 defeat to Melbourne in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Will Heritage have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.