Softball Game Preview: North Callaway Thunderbirds vs. Louisiana Bulldogs

North Callaway and Louisiana are an even 4-4 against one another since September of 2018, but likely not for long. The Thunderbirds will look to defend their home field on Tuesday against the Bulldogs at 5:00 p.m. North Callaway is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.2 runs per game this season.

North Callaway barely beat Fulton the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Thunderbirds put the hurt on the Hornets with a sharp 14-3 victory on Monday. The Thunderbirds might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won ten contests by seven runs or more this season.

Olivia Knoepflein

Batters Struck Out

09/29/25 vs Fulton	6
09/27/25 @ Moberly	3
09/20/25 vs Community	5
09/20/25 vs Palmyra	1
09/16/25 @ Clopton	1
+ 2 more games

Olivia Knoepflein was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over five innings while giving up three earned runs off six hits (and only one walk). That's the most strikeouts she has posted over her last seven games. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI.

North Callaway was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .481. They are a perfect 10-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

Meanwhile, Louisiana lost 15-4 to Elsberry on Thursday.

North Callaway is on a roll lately: they've won eight of their last ten matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 14-7 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.0 runs on average over those games. As for Louisiana, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-3 record this season.

North Callaway couldn't quite get it done against Louisiana in their previous meeting back in October of 2024 as they fell 6-2. Will the Thunderbirds have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.