Softball Game Preview: Vandalia Vandals vs. Hillsboro Hiltoppers

Vandalia hasn't had much luck against Hillsboro recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Vandals will square off against the Hiltoppers at 4:30 p.m. Having both just faced considerable losses, both teams are looking to turn things around.

Vandalia is headed into Friday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Tuesday. They lost 17-3 to Greenville.

Vandalia saw seven different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Liah Hoyle, who scored a run while going 1-for-2. Kenlie Finn also deserves some recognition as she scored her first run of the season.

Meanwhile, Hillsboro was not able to break out of their rough patch on Monday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They came up short against Effingham, falling 10-2.

Hillsboro's loss dropped their record down to 4-8. As for Vandalia, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-8.

Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Friday. Vandalia hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.5 home runs per game. However, it's not like Hillsboro struggles in that department as they've been averaging 0.7 home runs. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down.

Vandalia might still be hurting after the 10-2 loss they got from Hillsboro in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Vandals avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.