Softball Game Preview: Bishop McLaughlin Catholic Hurricanes vs. Hernando Leopards

The Bishop McLaughlin Catholic Hurricanes will take on the Hernando Leopards at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Bishop McLaughlin Catholic comes in still looking for their first win of the season.

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 11 runs last Tuesday, they were much more limited against Cambridge Christian on Friday. They came up short against the Lancers, falling 17-1.

Meanwhile, Hernando fought the good fight in their extra-innings match against Springstead on Friday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Eagles by a score of 6-5. That's two games in a row now that the Leopards have lost by just one run.

Lily Jernigan spent all 8.1 innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and one unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up six Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Murphi Blade was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and one stolen base. The team also got some help courtesy of Mya Smith, who went 2-for-3 with one triple and one stolen base.

Hernando has been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-5 record this season. Bishop McLaughlin Catholic's defeat dropped their record down to 0-5.

The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Bishop McLaughlin Catholic has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Hernando struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic suffered a grim 18-0 defeat to Hernando in their previous meeting back in February. Will Bishop McLaughlin Catholic have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.