Softball Game Preview: Saint Jo Panthers vs. Nocona Indians

Saint Jo is 0-5 against Nocona since February of 2020 but things could change on Tuesday. The Saint Jo Panthers will head out on the road to face off against the Nocona Indians at 5:00 p.m. Saint Jo has given up an average of 19.2 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.

Saint Jo is headed into Tuesday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fifth straight game dating back to last season on Monday. They came up short against Muenster, falling 22-0.

Meanwhile, Nocona waltzed into their game on Tuesday with three straight wins... but they left with four. Everything went their way against the Pirates as they made off with a 19-1 victory. The result was nothing new for the Indians, who have now won three contests by seven runs or more so far this season.

Reagan Phipps was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Phipps was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.

In other batting news, Nocona got a massive performance out of Skye Kirby, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, one triple, and one stolen base. Kirby is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games she's played. Another player making a difference was Evelyn Marquez, who scored three runs and stole Four bases. while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.

Nocona pushed their record up to 4-5 with the win, which was their third straight at home. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 29.3 runs over those games. As for Saint Jo, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-4.

Saint Jo might still be hurting after the 16-1 loss they got from Nocona in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can Saint Jo avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.