Softball Game Preview: Gretna Hawks vs. Jefferson Forest Cavaliers

The Gretna Hawks will venture away from home to face off against the Jefferson Forest Cavaliers at 6:00 p.m. on Monday.

Wednesday just wasn't the day for Gretna's offense. They took a 4-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of Nelson County on Wednesday. The Hawks have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Alyssa Keesee spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four runs (all of which were unearned) on two hits and racked up seven Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Jefferson Forest, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They walked away with a 6-1 victory over Brookville on Friday. The Cavaliers haven't had any issues with the Bees recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.

Jefferson Forest also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Amelia Long gave up only one earned run on four hits and racked up 14 Ks.

At the plate, Jefferson Forest's victory was truly a team effort as four different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Taya Hall, who went 1-for-3 with two RBI and one run. That's the most RBI Hall has posted since back in May of 2024.

Gretna's loss dropped their record down to 2-6. As for Jefferson Forest, they pushed their record up to 9-1 with the win, which was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Gretna has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Jefferson Forest struggles in that department as they've been averaging 12.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Gretna might still be hurting after the 12-0 defeat they got from Jefferson Forest in their previous matchup back in March. Can the Hawks avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.