Softball Recap: Daniel Comes Up Short

Daniel had lost four straight on the road, but on Monday they dropped their record down to 9-13 to make it five. They came up short against the Pickens Blue Flame, falling 9-3. The Lions were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Blue Flame earlier this season, when they won 7-6.

As for Pickens, the win (which was their sixth in a row) raised their record to 13-1. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.5 runs over those games.

For Pickens' part, Sophie Duzan spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and two unearned) runs on seven hits.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Kaylee Bolding, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in doubles (two). Ava Belle Lawton was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.

Looking ahead, Daniel will face off against Blue Ridge at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Lions' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Fighting Tigers have averaged an impressive 10.1 runs per game this season. As for Pickens, they will head out to take on Seneca at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday.