Softball Game Preview: Joel Barlow Falcons vs. Masuk Panthers

Joel Barlow hasn't had much luck against Masuk recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Falcons will head out on the road to challenge the Panthers at 4:15 p.m. Joel Barlow has given up an average of 15.2 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Joel Barlow is headed into Monday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fifth straight game on Friday. They came up short against New Milford, falling 17-0.

Meanwhile, Masuk entered their tilt with Bethel on Friday with five consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with six. They blew past the Wildcats 18-2. Considering the Panthers have won six matches by more than five runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Mary Saunders was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching five innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits. Saunders was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. That triple marked the first that she has hit this season.

In other batting news, Grace Ely was incredible, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. That's the most doubles she has posted since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Madison Aguirre, who went 1-for-3 with one home run and two runs.

Masuk pushed their record up to 9-1 with the win, which was their third straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.7 runs over those games. As for Joel Barlow, their loss dropped their record down to 1-5.

Joel Barlow might still be hurting after the 19-0 defeat they got from Masuk in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Falcons avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.