Softball Game Preview: Rice Bulldogs vs. Maypearl Panthers

Bulldogs

Runs

03/07/25 @ Dawson	13
02/28/25 vs Athens	16
02/25/25 vs Wortham	9
02/22/25 @ Ferris	3
02/22/25 vs Palmer	5
+ 4 more games

For the first time this season, Rice will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup on Tuesday. They will welcome the Maypearl Panthers at 6:00 p.m. Rice is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.6 runs per game this season.

While Rice didn't have the best season last year (they finished 4-12), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They put the hurt on Dawson with a sharp 13-4 win last Friday. The victory was nothing new for Rice as they're now sitting on three straight.

Cadence Van Cleave made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out 14 batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits. Van Cleave was also big at the plate, scoring four runs while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances.

In other batting news, Halie Adams was incredible, scoring four runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4. Sloan Cadena was another key player, scoring a run while going 3-for-4.

Rice was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .447. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .333 or higher in 11 consecutive matchups dating back to last season.

Meanwhile, Maypearl suffered their biggest defeat since March 22, 2024 on Friday. They lost 11-1 to Stephenville. The Panthers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Maypearl saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Kaelyn Smith, who went 1-for-3 with one RBI.

Maypearl's loss dropped their record down to 8-6-2. As for Rice, their win bumped their record up to 7-1-1.

Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Rice has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .562. However, it's not like Maypearl struggles in that department as they've averaged .488. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.