Softball Game Preview: Grace Christian Warriors vs. Hicks Pirates

Grace Christian is 0-3 against Hicks since March of 2017 but things could change on Saturday. The Warriors will take on the Pirates. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Grace Christian is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Wednesday. They were the clear victors by a 15-0 margin over Fairview. Considering the Warriors have won 12 games by more than six runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.

Meanwhile, Hicks waltzed into their contest on Tuesday with five straight wins... but they left with six. They beat the Tigers by the very same score they won with in their prior game: 5-3.

Courtlyn Dousay spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and two unearned) runs on two hits and racked up 12 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than ten strikeouts in three consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Abby Addison was excellent, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and one double. Another player making a difference was Maliah Gordy, who went 2-for-3 with two runs and one double.

Grace Christian has been performing well recently as they've won ten of their last 12 matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 20-9 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.3 runs over those games. As for Hicks, they pushed their record up to 22-5 with the win, which was their fifth straight at home.

Grace Christian couldn't quite finish off Hicks in their previous matchup back in February of 2023 and fell 6-4. Can the Warriors avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.