Softball Game Preview: Rome Free Academy Black Knights vs. Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Red Devils

Rome Free Academy has gone 8-1 against Vernon-Verona-Sherrill recently and they'll look to pad the win column further on Monday. The Black Knights will head out to face off against the Red Devils at 4:30 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.

On Thursday, Rome Free Academy made easy work of Proctor and carried off a 20-2 victory. Considering the Black Knights have won four matches by more than 11 runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.

Makayla Howard

Runs Batted In (Career)

05/08/25 vs Proctor	4
04/13/25 @ Shenendehowa	2
05/05/25 @ West Genesee	1
04/24/25 vs Whitesboro	1
04/21/25 @ Proctor	1

Rome Free Academy got a massive performance out of Makayla Howard, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, two runs, and one triple. Those four RBI gave Howard a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Kenidee Campbell, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.

Rome Free Academy hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least three batters in five consecutive games.

Meanwhile, Vernon-Verona-Sherrill hadn't done well against Holland Patent recently (they were 0-4 in their previous four matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Monday. The Red Devils put the hurt on the Golden Knights with a sharp 14-1 win. The Red Devils' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

Rome Free Academy has been performing well recently as they've won seven of their last nine contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-4 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.7 runs on average over those games. Vernon-Verona-Sherrill's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-5.

Rome Free Academy took their victory against Vernon-Verona-Sherrill in their previous meeting back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 22-1 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Black Knights since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.