Softball Preview: University Lab Cubs vs. Catholic - N.I. Panthers
The University Lab Cubs will head out on the road to challenge the Catholic - N.I. Panthers at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
St. Michael typically has all the answers at home, but on Friday University Lab proved too difficult a challenge. They put the hurt on the Warriors with a sharp 11-1 win.
Gabby Fontenot made a splash while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and only one hit while striking out eight over five innings pitched. Fontenot has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive pitching appearances. Fontenot was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-4.
In other batting news, London Harvey was a standout: she scored four runs and stole three bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. Charlotte Lowe was another key contributor, going 3-for-4 with four RBI, a run, and a double.
Meanwhile, Catholic - N.I. got the win against Vermilion Catholic on Wednesday by a conclusive 16-1. The victory made it back-to-back wins for Catholic - N.I.
Like University Lab, Catholic - N.I. also got a great game from a two-way player: Addisyn Derouen. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over three innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and only one walk). Derouen was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 1-for-2.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Kenley Sonnier, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with a home run, three runs, and four RBI. Another player making a difference was Paityne Simon, who scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
University Lab has been performing well recently as they've won eight of their last ten matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 15-5 record this season. As for Catholic - N.I., their record now sits at 15-10.
Saturday's contest will be a test for both team's pitchers. University Lab hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .487. However, it's not like Catholic - N.I. struggles in that department as they've averaged .393. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
University Lab might still be hurting after the 18-7 defeat they got from Catholic - N.I. in their previous meeting back in March of 2023. Can University Lab avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
