Softball Game Preview: Manor Mustangs vs. Western Branch Bruins

Manor hasn't had much luck against Western Branch recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Mustangs will head out to square off against the Bruins at 5:30 p.m. Manor will be strutting in after a win while Western Branch will be coming in after a loss.

On Tuesday, Manor was able to grind out a solid victory over Norcom, taking the game 11-8. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Mustangs.

Kara Williams

Stolen Base

04/22/25 @ Norcom	2
04/10/25 @ Lake Taylor	1
04/09/25 @ Nansemond River	1

Kara Williams was excellent, getting on base in two of her four plate appearances with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played. Aniyah Sanderson also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.

Meanwhile, after soaring to ten runs the game before, Western Branch was a bit more limited in their contest on Thursday. They fell just short of Great Bridge by a score of 3-2. The Bruins' defeat signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.

Kaileigh Taylor made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-2 with one home run. Another player making a difference was Maddie Lemasters, who went 1-for-3 with one home run.

Manor's win bumped their record up to 4-6-1. As for Western Branch, their loss was their first in the region, dropping their region record down to 4-1 and their overall record down to 8-2.

Monday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Manor has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .513. However, it's not like Western Branch struggles in that department as they've averaged .478. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Manor suffered a grim 11-4 defeat to Western Branch in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Can the Mustangs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.