Softball Game Preview: Paul Laurence Dunbar Bulldogs vs. Lexington Catholic Knights

Paul Laurence Dunbar hasn't had much luck against Lexington Catholic recently, but that could start to change on Monday. Paul Laurence Dunbar will head out to challenge Lexington Catholic at 6:00 p.m. Paul Laurence Dunbar will be strutting in after a victory while Lexington Catholic will be coming in after a loss.

Paul Laurence Dunbar had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the ten-run drubbing they dealt Shelby County on Thursday. Paul Laurence Dunbar never let Shelby County get on the board and left with a 10-0 win.

Meanwhile, Lexington Catholic fought the good fight in their extra-innings match against Lafayette on Friday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They took a 6-3 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Generals.

Abby Hammond was huge no matter where she played even without the win. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out nine over 7.2 innings pitched. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run and one stolen base.

In other batting news, Aevea Mosley-Franklin was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one home run, one stolen base, and two RBI. That home run marked the first that she launched this season.

Paul Laurence Dunbar is on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four games. That's provided a nice bump to their 3-6 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 6.8 runs over those games. Lexington Catholic has been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-5 record this season.

Paul Laurence Dunbar might still be hurting after the 15-0 defeat they got from Lexington Catholic in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Can Paul Laurence Dunbar avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.