Softball Game Preview: Chiefland Indians vs. Newberry Panthers

Chiefland is 9-1 against Newberry since February of 2020 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Chiefland Indians will be playing at home against the Newberry Panthers at 6:00 p.m. The teams are rolling into the game with opposing streaks: Chiefland has struggled recently with five losses in a row, while Newberry will arrive with nine straight wins.

Chiefland fell victim to Bronson and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They came up short against the Eagles, falling 8-0.

Anna Jane Meeks

Batters Struck Out (Career)

03/11/25 vs Bronson	12
02/27/25 @ Lafayette	9
02/25/25 @ Taylor County	7
03/06/25 vs Williston	6
03/08/25 vs Union County	4

Anna Jane Meeks spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered six earned (and two unearned) runs on six hits and racked up 12 Ks. The dominant performance gave her a new career-high in strikeouts.

Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Newberry took on Buchholz on Tuesday. Newberry blew past Buchholz 11-2. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five matchups by seven runs or more this season.

Madison Rodgers was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over five innings pitched. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBI.

In other batting news, Gracie Mattson and Olivia Tharp did most of the damage at the plate: Mattson scored two runs and stole a base while going 4-for-4, while Tharp scored two runs and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-3. Tristan Layfield was another key player, scoring a run and stealing Two bases. while going 3-for-5.

Newberry hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now struck out at most five strikeouts in seven consecutive contests.

Newberry's victory was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 9-0. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.8 runs on average over those games. As for Chiefland, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-8.

Chiefland suffered a grim 15-5 defeat to Newberry in their previous matchup back in February. Will Chiefland have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.