Softball Game Preview: Derby Red Raiders vs. St. Paul Catholic Falcons

Derby hasn't had much luck against St. Paul Catholic recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Red Raiders will look to defend their home field against the Falcons at 5:30 p.m. Derby is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.4 runs per game this season.

On Tuesday, Derby came up short against Kennedy and fell 10-6. The Red Raiders have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Emma DeSanty made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That home run was her first of the season.

Meanwhile, St. Paul Catholic faced Seymour in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Monday. The Falcons lost 12-0 to the Wildcats. The pitching woes were uncharacteristic for the Falcons, who until this match were averaging 3.78 runs allowed.

St. Paul Catholic saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Lauren Kozlak, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one double.

Having lost for the first time this season, St. Paul Catholic fell to 8-1. As for Derby, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-7.

The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Derby has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like St. Paul Catholic struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.2 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.

Derby suffered a grim 18-1 defeat to St. Paul Catholic in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Red Raiders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.