Softball Recap: Merkel Comes Up Short

Merkel was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their eighth straight defeat. They lost 9-3 to the San Angelo Texas Leadership Charter Academy Eagles. The Badgers were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Eagles apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in March of 2024.

Merkel got a good showing from Lilly Nichols, who tossed 3.1 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. Nichols has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Merkel saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Sirena Flores, who went 2-for-4 with two doubles and one RBI. Kennedy Justice also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.

Merkel's defeat dropped their record down to 3-13. As for San Angelo Texas Leadership Charter Academy, with the win, they broke their six-game losing streak and moved their record to 5-9.

While Merkel had to take the loss, they won't have to wait long to give it another shot: the pair's next game is a rematch scheduled at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday.