Softball Game Preview: Lapwai Wildcats vs. Genesee Bulldogs

Lapwai is 0-10 against Genesee since May of 2019 but things could change on Thursday. Lapwai will host Genesee at 4:30 p.m. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

Lapwai is headed into Thursday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their tenth straight game dating back to last season on Tuesday. They came up short against Clearwater Valley, falling 41-1. Having soared to a lofty 11 runs in the game before, the Wildcats couldn't push the score so high this time.

Meanwhile, Genesee fought the good fight in their extra-innings match against Asotin on Wednesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Panthers by a score of 14-12. The pitching woes were uncharacteristic for the Bulldogs, who until this game were averaging four runs allowed.

Kendra Meyer was huge no matter where she played even without the win. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 13 batters over 8.1 innings while giving up five earned (and seven unearned) runs off 14 hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in March of 2024. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-6.

In other batting news, Rylie Baysinger was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring two runs while going 3-for-5. Makayla Herman was another key player, scoring two runs while going 2-for-4.

Even though they lost, Genesee kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits every time they've taken the field this season.

Lapwai's loss dropped their record down to 0-2. As for Genesee, their defeat was their first of the season and makes their record 4-1.

Lapwai suffered a grim 27-0 defeat to Genesee when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can Lapwai avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.