Softball Game Preview: Blacklick Valley Vikings vs. Shade Panthers

Blacklick Valley hasn't had much luck against Shade recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Vikings will be playing at home against the Panthers at 4:15 p.m. Blacklick Valley has given up an average of 15 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Blacklick Valley is headed into Tuesday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their sixth straight game on Monday. They came up short against Meyersdale, falling 16-0. That's two games in a row now that the Vikings have lost by exactly 16 runs.

Meanwhile, Shade never let their opponents score on Wednesday. They were the clear victors by a 10-0 margin over Turkeyfoot Valley Area. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Panthers.

Payton Maddy made a splash no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out nine over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and two RBI.

In other batting news, Tori Bowers was incredible, scoring two runs while going 3-for-3. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Jaedyn Krupper, who scored three runs while going 2-for-3.

Shade kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post 11 or more hits.

The victory was their first at home , bumping their record up to 4-2. As for Blacklick Valley, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-6.

Blacklick Valley suffered a grim 17-2 defeat to Shade when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Will the Vikings have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.