Dodson is 0-10 against Calvin since April of 2016 but things could change on Thursday. The Panthers will challenge the Cougars at 5:30 p.m. Dodson has given up an average of 9 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Dodson might be feeling deja-vu: they lost 14-3 to Harrisonburg, which was the same score (and result) they got the week prior. The Panthers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Zoey Goss made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 2-for-2 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Jayden Browning, who scored two runs while going 1-for-2.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Calvin, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Friday. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Harrisonburg 11-9. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Cougars have posted since March 15, 2024.
Haley Martin was a major factor no matter where she played. She tossed three innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one walk in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Mattie Barnes, who fired off two home runs and four RBI while going 3-for-3. Those home runs were her first of the season. Kyleigh Blundell was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3.
Calvin was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Calvin moved to 11-12 with that victory, which also ended their three-game losing streak. As for Dodson, their loss dropped their record down to 13-15.
Dodson suffered a grim 18-0 defeat to Calvin in their previous matchup back in February of 2024. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
