Softball Game Preview: Sanderson Spartans vs. Cardinal Gibbons Crusaders

Sanderson is 1-9 against Cardinal Gibbons since March of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Monday. The Spartans will welcome the Crusaders at 4:00 p.m. Sanderson has given up an average of 14.6 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Sanderson is headed into Monday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 14th straight game dating back to last season on Wednesday. They lost 13-5 to Enloe. That's two games in a row now that the Spartans have lost by exactly eight runs.

Sloane Thorpe made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Gibbons came tearing into Wednesday's game with seven straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 9.1 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They put the hurt on the Jaguars with a sharp 8-1 victory. Considering the Crusaders have won ten matchups by more than five runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.

Bridget Mazzo was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three runs, one triple, and one double. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Mallory Kelly, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and one RBI.

Cardinal Gibbons kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least nine hits in eight consecutive contests.

Cardinal Gibbons pushed their record up to 11-4 with the win, which was their fifth straight on the road. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.0 runs over those games. As for Sanderson, their loss dropped their record down to 0-12.

Sanderson might still be hurting after the 7-1 defeat they got from Cardinal Gibbons in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Will the Spartans have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.