Softball Game Preview: Prestonsburg Blackcats vs. Elliott County Lions

Prestonsburg is 0-8 against Elliott County since April of 2017 but things could change on Thursday. The Blackcats will venture away from home to face off against the Lions at 7:30 p.m. Prestonsburg is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.9 runs per game this season.

On Wednesday, Prestonsburg didn't have quite enough to beat Knott County Central and fell 8-7. The Blackcats have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Ashley Mahan was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one double. Amelia Newsome was another key player, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with two runs, one double, and one RBI.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Elliott County, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Monday. They walked away with a 9-4 win over Fairview on Wednesday. The victory continues a trend for the Lions in their matchups with the Eagles: they've now won five in a row.

The team relied heavily on Kailey McDaniel, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases and three RBI. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in March. Zoe Holbrook also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.

Prestonsburg's defeat dropped their record down to 7-12. As for Elliott County, their record is now 10-19.

Elliott County's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Prestonsburg has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .492. It's a different story for Elliott County, though, as they've only averaged .337. Will they be able to contain Prestonsburg's hitters?

Prestonsburg couldn't quite finish off Elliott County in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 and fell 5-3. Can the Blackcats avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.