Softball Game Preview: Kinston Vikings vs. North Lenoir Hawks

Kinston is 0-10 against North Lenoir since April of 2019 but things could change on Friday. The Kinston Vikings are taking a road trip to square off against the North Lenoir Hawks at 6:00 p.m.

Kinston is headed into Friday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 18th straight game dating back to last season on Tuesday. They came up short against East Duplin, falling 17-1.

Kinston saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was KENNADY SUTTON, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with one triple.

Meanwhile, North Lenoir came tearing into Wednesday's matchup with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 8.7 runs), and they left with even more momentum. Everything went their way against the Bulldogs as they made off with a 15-4 win. The result was nothing new for the Hawks, who have now won four contests by ten runs or more so far this season.

Maddie Rouse was a major factor no matter where she played. She tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Rouse was also solid in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing Two bases. while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances. Those stolen bases were her first of the season.

In other batting news, Jayla Ross was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with one home run, five RBI, and one double. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March of 2024. Lakyn Whitley was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one double.

North Lenoir pushed their record up to 5-1 with the victory, which was their third straight on the road. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.0 runs over those games. As for Kinston, their loss dropped their record down to 0-3.

Kinston might still be hurting after the 19-4 defeat they got from North Lenoir in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can Kinston avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.