Softball Game Preview: Sandalwood Saints vs. Nease Panthers

The Sandalwood Saints will challenge the Nease Panthers at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Sandalwood has given up an average of 8 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Sandalwood's last matchup with Mandarin could've gone either way, but unfortunately the same can't be said for the pair's game on Thursday. The Saints came up short against the Mustangs, falling 11-2. The Saints haven't had much luck with the Mustangs recently, as the team has come up short the last five times they've met.

Meanwhile, after a string of four wins, Nease's good fortune finally ran out on Thursday. They fell 6-1 to Baldwin. Having soared to a lofty 14 runs in the game before, the Panthers couldn't push the score so high this time.

Sydney Davis spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and three unearned) runs on five hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.

Sandalwood's defeat dropped their record down to 5-10. As for Nease, their loss dropped their record down to 6-8.

Sandalwood skirted past Nease 7-5 when the teams last played back in March of 2023. Will the Saints repeat their success, or do the Panthers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.