Softball Game Preview: Jacksonville Golden Eagles vs. Lincoln Golden Bears

Jacksonville is preparing for their first region matchup of the season on Monday. They will head out on the road to face off against the Lincoln Golden Bears at 5:00 p.m. Jacksonville is coming into the game on a three-game losing streak.

Jacksonville saw some tournament action on Saturday. They fell 8-3 to Prattville Christian Academy.

Jacksonville saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Dailyn Wood, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Lincoln). They blew past Ohatchee 12-1 on Thursday. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest win the Golden Bears have posted since March 18, 2024.

Shelby Williams made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off six hits (and only one walk). What's more, she gave up only one walk, the fewest she's had since back in February of 2024. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and one double. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, Natalie Harrell was a standout: she scored two runs while going 1-for-2. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in RBI (two). Chandler Stephens also deserves some recognition as she stole her first stolen base of the season.

Lincoln's record is now 10-3. As for Jacksonville, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-8.

Monday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Jacksonville hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .405. However, it's not like Lincoln struggles in that department as they've averaged .324. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Jacksonville couldn't quite finish off Lincoln in their previous meeting back in February and fell 4-2. Can Jacksonville avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.