Softball Game Preview: Hernando Leopards vs. Bishop McLaughlin Catholic Hurricanes

Leopards

Runs

03/14/25 @ Springstead	5
03/11/25 @ Lecanto	1
03/06/25 vs Fivay	15
03/03/25 vs Crystal River	0
02/28/25 vs Nature Coast Tech	5
+ 5 more games

The Hernando Leopards will venture away from home to face off against the Bishop McLaughlin Catholic Hurricanes at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Hernando is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.5 runs per game this season.

Hernando fought the good fight in their extra-innings matchup against Springstead on Friday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Eagles by a score of 6-5. The Leopards have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Lily Jernigan spent all 8.1 innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and one unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up six Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Murphi Blade was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and one stolen base. Mya Smith also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.

Meanwhile, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their eighth straight defeat dating back to last season. They came up short against Cambridge Christian, falling 17-1. Having soared to a lofty 11 runs in the game before, the Hurricanes couldn't push the score so high this time.

Hernando's loss dropped their record down to 5-5. As for Bishop McLaughlin Catholic, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-5.

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Hernando has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .455. It's a different story for Bishop McLaughlin Catholic, though, as they've only averaged .333. Will they be able to contain Hernando's hitters?

Hernando took their win against Bishop McLaughlin Catholic when the teams last played back in February by a conclusive 18-0. The rematch might be a little tougher for Hernando since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.