Softball Game Preview: Althoff Catholic Crusaders vs. Father McGivney Catholic Griffins

The Althoff Catholic Crusaders are taking a road trip to square off against the Father McGivney Catholic Griffins at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Althoff Catholic is looking for their season's first win.

Monday just wasn't the day for Althoff Catholic's offense. They lost 15-0 to Gibault Catholic on Monday.

Althoff Catholic saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Averi Turner, who went 1-for-2 with two stolen bases. That hit was Turner's first of the season.

Meanwhile, the third road game was the charm for Father McGivney Catholic, as they earned their first away victory of the season. They came out on top against Granite City by a score of 9-6 on Friday. The Griffins' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

Avery Grenzebach was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over seven innings while giving up six earned (and 112 unearned) runs off ten hits. She has been consistent : she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and one triple. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, Morgan Zobrist was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-4. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024.

Althoff Catholic's defeat dropped their record down to 0-5. As for Father McGivney Catholic, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-4.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Althoff Catholic has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Father McGivney Catholic struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 6.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Althoff Catholic might still be hurting after the 15-2 loss they got from Father McGivney Catholic in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can Althoff Catholic avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.