Softball Game Preview: Van Buren Black Knights vs. Vanlue Wildcats

The Van Buren Black Knights will take on the Vanlue Wildcats at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Having both just faced considerable losses, both teams are looking to turn things around.

Van Buren's last matchup with Liberty-Benton could've gone either way, but unfortunately the same can't be said for the pair's contest on Wednesday. The Black Knights lost 10-0 to the Eagles. The Black Knights have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Meanwhile, Vanlue came up short against Buckeye Central on Thursday, falling 17-3.

Vanlue saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Amiah Keathley, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base, one run, and one double. Keathley has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times she's played.

Van Buren's loss was their first in the conference, dropping their conference record down to 3-1 and their overall record down to 6-6. As for Vanlue, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-13.

Everything went Van Buren's way against Vanlue in their previous matchup back in May of 2022, as Van Buren made off with a 22-6 win. Will the Black Knights repeat their success, or do the Wildcats have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.