Softball Game Preview: Boardman Spartans vs. Riverside Beavers

Boardman hasn't had much luck against Riverside recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Spartans will face off against the Beavers at 5:00 p.m. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Boardman comes in on nine and Riverside on 15.

On Thursday, Boardman got the win against Cardinal Mooney by a conclusive 16-2. The result was nothing new for the Spartans, who have now won ten matches by six runs or more so far this season.

Ava Freeborough

Runs Batted In (Career)

04/24/25 vs Cardinal Mooney	4
05/04/24 @ Normandy	2
05/01/24 vs Southeast	2
04/12/25 @ Copley	1
04/09/25 @ Austintown-Fitch	1

Boardman got a massive performance out of Ava Freeborough, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs, four RBI, and one triple. Those four RBI gave Freeborough a new career-high. Mikayla Rivera was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, two doubles, and one triple.

They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Boardman kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in eight consecutive contests.

Meanwhile, Riverside made easy work of South on Monday and carried off a 13-3 win. The Beavers are also no stranger to big wins: their blowout was the 11th game they've won by 6+ runs this season.

Riverside's victory was their 13th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 16-2. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.4 runs on average over those games. As for Boardman, their record now sits at 15-2.

Boardman came up short against Riverside in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, falling 3-0. Can the Spartans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.