Softball Game Preview: Incarnate Word Academy Red Knights vs. Notre Dame Bulldogs

The Incarnate Word Academy Red Knights will head out to take on the Notre Dame Bulldogs at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Incarnate Word Academy has given up an average of 7.3 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Incarnate Word Academy fell victim to Westminster Christian and their airtight pitching crew on Thursday. They lost 18-0 to the Wildcats. The Red Knights have struggled against the Wildcats recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive lost matchup.

The scorekeeper got an easy start on Thursday as neither Notre Dame nor Kelly made it on the board until the fifth inning. The Bulldogs skirted past the Hawks 2-0. The Bulldogs haven't had any issues with the Hawks recently, as the game was their eighth consecutive victory against them.

The result came thanks to Kynna Johnson's shutout, as she gave up just three hits and racked up seven Ks. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one earned run any time she's pitched this season.

Incarnate Word Academy's defeat dropped their record down to 11-11. As for Notre Dame, their win bumped their record up to 11-7-1.

Incarnate Word Academy's speedy runners might be the difference in Saturday's game. The Red Knights have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.8 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Notre Dame, though, as they've been averaging only 0.9 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Incarnate Word Academy continue to outrun the ball?

Incarnate Word Academy came up short against Notre Dame in their previous meeting back in October of 2024, falling 9-6. Can the Red Knights avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.