Softball Game Preview: Columbia Crimson Tide vs. Octorara Area Braves

Columbia is on a six-game streak of home losses dating back to last season, and Octorara Area a seven-game streak of away losses also dating back to last season. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Monday. The Columbia Crimson Tide will be playing in front of their home fans against the Octorara Area Braves at 4:15 p.m. Columbia has given up an average of 19.8 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Columbia lost 17-2 to Hanover on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Octorara Area never let their opponents score on Friday. They put the hurt on Daniel Boone with a sharp 14-0 victory. The result was nothing new for the Braves, who have now won four games by six runs or more so far this season.

Alivia Romero made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out ten over five innings pitched. With that strong performance, she is now averaging an impressive 5.2 strikeouts per game. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with five RBI.

In other batting news, Octorara Area got a massive performance out of Hailey Tidd, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3. Tidd is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games she's played. Presley Lazos was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances.

Octorara Area always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .632. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Daniel Boone only posted an OBP of .167.

Octorara Area is on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 5-5 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.0 runs over those games. As for Columbia, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-5.

Columbia suffered a grim 13-3 defeat to Octorara Area in their previous matchup back in April of 2022. Can the Crimson Tide avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.