Softball Game Preview: West Panthers vs. Brighton Bengals

The West Panthers will venture away from home to square off against the Brighton Bengals at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. West has given up an average of 14.2 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

West came out on top against Alta on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive nine-run third inning. The Panthers took their game against the Hawks 17-14. The Panthers haven't had any issues with the Hawks recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive victory against them.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Brighton). They were the clear victors by an 18-3 margin over Highland on Tuesday. The win was some much needed relief for the Bengals as it spelled an end to their seven-game losing streak.

Alison Nikolaus made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over four innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits (and not a single walk). Nikolaus was also big at the plate, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one double.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Cynthia Knowlton, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with four runs, one stolen base, and one double. Those four runs gave her a new career-high. Leah Tomlinson was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.

Brighton always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .528. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in three consecutive matchups.

West's record now sits at 4-14. As for Brighton, their record is now 6-12.

West suffered a grim 16-0 defeat to Brighton in their previous matchup back in March. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.