Athens hasn't had much luck against Springfield recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Warriors will square off against Springfield at 4:30 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
On Thursday, Athens got the win against New Berlin/Franklin/Waverly by a conclusive 10-3. The win continues a trend for the Warriors in their matchups with the Vipers: they've now won seven in a row.
Preslie DeVaney-Barnard
| 04/23/26 vs New Berlin/Franklin/Waverly | 1 |
| 04/20/26 vs Rushville-Industry | 2 |
| 04/16/26 vs Riverton | 0 |
| 04/14/26 vs PORTA/Ashland-Chandlerville Central | 1 |
Preslie DeVaney-Barnard spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three runs (all of which were unearned) on six hits and racked up nine Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Preslie Buckmaster, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. Another player making a difference was Jaci Derringer, who went 1-for-4 with one home run and three RBI.
Athens was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .300 or higher in three consecutive matchups.
Springfield not only won on Friday, but they posted their biggest win since April 8th (when they won 15-0). They were the clear victors by a 13-1 margin over Riverton.
Springfield also let their pitcher toss all six innings played and she was also dialed-in: Keilyn Howard gave up a run (which was unearned) on one hit and racked up eight Ks.
At the plate, Lanie Dumonceaux was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs, three doubles, and two RBI. Those three doubles gave her a new career-high. Erin Stoops was another key player, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one double.
Athens' record is now 14-6. As for Springfield, their record now sits at 8-13.
Athens suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Springfield in their previous meeting back in April of 2025. Can the Warriors avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
