Softball Game Preview: Harwood Highlanders vs. Rice Memorial Green Knights

Harwood hasn't had much luck against Rice Memorial recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Highlanders will challenge the Green Knights at 4:30 p.m.

On Thursday, Harwood and U-32 finished up on equal footing with a 3-3 tie.

Meanwhile, Rice Memorial hadn't done well against Enosburg Falls recently (they were 0-8 in their previous eight matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. The Green Knights had just enough and edged out the Hornets 1-0. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Green Knights have posted since June 7, 2024.

Not much got past Alayna Havreluk, who gave up just two hits and racked up 12 Ks to keep Enosburg Falls off the board. Havreluk has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in four consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Rice Memorial saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Finley Strong, who went 1-for-3 with one RBI.

Rice Memorial's victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 6-1. The road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.7 runs on average over those games. With that draw, Harwood's record moves to 0-5-1.

The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Harwood has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.5 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Rice Memorial struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.6 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.

Harwood suffered a grim 15-0 defeat to Rice Memorial when the teams last played back in April. Can the Highlanders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.