Softball Game Preview: DeRidder Dragons vs. LaGrange Gators

DeRidder is a perfect 8-0 against LaGrange since March of 2016 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Tuesday. The DeRidder Dragons will be playing in front of their home fans against the LaGrange Gators at 5:30 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the two teams will really light up the scoreboard.

DeRidder gave up the first runs on Friday, but they didn't let that get them down. They came out on top against Pitkin by a score of 10-5. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Dragons.

Laila Roberson was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April of 2024. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-4 with two RBI.

In other batting news, DeRidder got a big performance out of Hailey Johnson, who scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in two of her five plate appearances. Haleigh Cooley was another key player, scoring two runs while going 1-for-4.

Meanwhile, LaGrange was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their 15th straight loss dating back to last season. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 19-18 heartbreaker at the hands of Washington-Marion. While the Gators didn't get the win, they did start the game off strong, beating the Charging Indians 9-3 in the first period.

DeRidder's victory bumped their record up to 6-9. As for LaGrange, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-3.

DeRidder took their win against LaGrange in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 13-1. Will DeRidder repeat their success, or does LaGrange have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.