Softball Game Preview: Smithfield-Selma Spartans vs. West Johnston Wildcats

Smithfield-Selma is 0-10 against West Johnston since March of 2019 but things could change on Friday. The Smithfield-Selma Spartans will venture away from home to challenge the West Johnston Wildcats at 6:00 p.m. Smithfield-Selma has given up an average of 27 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.

Smithfield-Selma is headed into Friday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 21st straight game dating back to last season on Tuesday. They lost 22-0 to Fike. Having soared to a lofty 20 runs in the game before, the Spartans' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.

Meanwhile, West Johnston beat East Wake 6-2 on Tuesday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Wildcats.

Faith Chapman spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on nine hits. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than one walk in five consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Laney Pearce was excellent, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-3. Reagan Sutton also deserves some recognition as she scored her first runs of the season.

West Johnston's win bumped their record up to 3-5. As for Smithfield-Selma, their loss dropped their record down to 0-9.

Smithfield-Selma suffered a grim 23-2 defeat to West Johnston when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can Smithfield-Selma avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.