Softball Game Preview: Gretna Dragons vs. Elkhorn North Wolves

The Gretna Dragons will venture away from home to challenge the Elkhorn North Wolves at 6:30 p.m. on Monday. Gretna will be looking to extend their current six-game winning streak.

If Gretna beats Elkhorn North with eight runs on Monday, it's going to be the team's new lucky number: they've won their past two games with that exact score. The Dragons beat Pius X on Thursday by the very same score they won with in their prior game: 8-4.

Taelyn Rupiper

Batters Struck Out

10/02/25 @ Pius X	12
09/30/25 @ Blair	7
09/25/25 @ Waverly	12
09/22/25 vs Standing Bear	12
09/19/25 @ Bellevue East	9
+ 2 more games

Gretna got a great performance from Taelyn Rupiper as she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out 12 over 5.2 innings pitched. Rupiper has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Maddie Kurrus was incredible, going 3-for-4 with one home run, five RBI, and two runs. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in August. Megan Marshall was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and two runs.

Meanwhile, Elkhorn North faced Elkhorn South in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Thursday. The Wolves fell 9-4 to the Storm. The Wolves have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Peyton Johnson made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with one home run and two runs. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season.

Elkhorn North's defeat dropped their record down to 14-9. As for Gretna, their record now sits at 23-6.

Monday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Gretna hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .327. However, it's not like Elkhorn North struggles in that department as they've averaged .342. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Gretna took their win against Elkhorn North in their previous matchup back in August of 2024 by a conclusive 7-0 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Dragons since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.