Softball Game Preview: Evangel Christian Lightning vs. Bessemer Academy Rebels

Evangel Christian is on a four-game streak of home wins, while Bessemer Academy is on a three-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Lightning will welcome the Rebels at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

Evangel Christian was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last game, but they sure didn't let that happen against Macon-East Montgomery Academy on Friday. The Lightning blew past the Knights 12-2. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Lightning considering their two-run performance the match before.

Ella Ruth Smith was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She tossed three innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base.

Raylee Evans

Stolen Base (Career)

04/04/25 vs Macon-East Montgomery Academy	3
03/20/25 vs Heritage Christian Academy	2
03/11/25 @ Trinity Christian Homeschool	2
03/01/25 vs Coosa Valley Academy	2
04/04/24 @ Southern Academy	2

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Raylee Evans, who scored two runs and stole three bases while going 3-for-3. Those three stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Lilli Whitfield was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3.

Evangel Christian hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least five batters in ten consecutive contests.

Meanwhile, Bessemer Academy got the win against Coosa Valley Academy on Thursday by a conclusive 14-1. Bessemer Academy hasn't had any issues with Coosa Valley Academy recently, as the game was their ninth consecutive victory against them.

With the win, Evangel Christian broke their three-game losing streak and moved their record to 15-8. As for Bessemer Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 7-1.

Evangel Christian might still be hurting after the 8-0 defeat they got from Bessemer Academy in their previous meeting back in March. Will the Lightning have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.