Softball Game Preview: Waterloo Bulldogs vs. Triad Knights

For the first time this season, Waterloo will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They are taking a road trip to take on the Triad Knights at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. The two teams each escaped (but just barely!) with wins against their previous opponents.

Waterloo took a loss when they played away from home on Wednesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 10-9 win over Belleville West. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Bulldogs considering their one-run performance the contest before.

Ava Brown and Mallory Thompson did most of the damage at the plate: Brown scored two runs while going 2-for-5, while Thompson scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances. Riley McDermott also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.

Meanwhile, Triad waltzed into their match on Saturday with six straight wins... but they left with seven. They skirted past the Cavaliers 5-3.

Triad pushed their record up to 8-2 with the victory, which was their tenth straight at home dating back to last season. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they've averaged 7.2 runs this season. As for Waterloo, they are on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six games. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-2 record this season.

Monday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Waterloo hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .349. However, it's not like Triad struggles in that department as they've averaged .412. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Waterloo couldn't quite get it done against Triad when the teams last played back in April of 2024 as they fell 4-1. Can the Bulldogs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.