Softball Game Preview: Chapman Panthers vs. Mountain View Prep Stars

The Chapman Panthers are taking a road trip to take on the Mountain View Prep Stars at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.

Chapman easily dispatched Chesnee on Monday, but unfortunately both the margin and the ultimate result were a different story in this one. The Panthers fell just short of Blue Ridge by a score of 9-7 on Tuesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest defeat the Panthers have suffered since May 1, 2024.

Addy Lawson made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-3.

Meanwhile, Tuesday just wasn't the day for Mountain View Prep's offense. They fell 4-0 to Union County on Tuesday. The game marked the first time this year in which the Stars were not able to get on the board.

Braley Richardson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and two unearned) runs on six hits and racked up 13 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one walk in four consecutive appearances.

Chapman has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-7 record this season. As for Mountain View Prep, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 7-10.

Chapman beat Mountain View Prep 6-2 when the teams last played back in March. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Panthers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.