Softball Game Preview: Exeter Tigers vs. Hurley Tigers

We've got a battle between Tigers coming up. Exeter has given up an average of 11.1 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Exeter is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Missouri's top teams: Marionville, who was ranked 23rd at the time (Exeter was ranked 20th). Exeter lost 14-4 to Marionville on Friday. The Tigers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Meanwhile, Hurley gave up the first runs on Friday, but they didn't let that get them down. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Wheaton 11-10.

Addy Maxwell made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out eight batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and nine unearned) runs off 11 hits. Maxwell was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jaema Schimmels, who scored three runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-4. Dacia Grubbs was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.

Hurley kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 11 hits every time they've taken the field this season.

Exeter's loss dropped their record down to 2-5. As for Hurley, they now have a winning record of 2-1.

Exeter took their win against Hurley in their previous meeting back in March of 2023 by a conclusive 15-0. Does Exeter have another victory up their sleeve, or will Hurley turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.