Softball Game Preview: Mason Classical Academy Paladins vs. Neumann Celtics

The Mason Classical Academy Paladins will head out on the road to take on the Neumann Celtics at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Last Thursday, Mason Classical Academy didn't have quite enough to beat Seacrest Country Day and fell 4-2. The Paladins haven't had much luck with the Stingrays recently, as the team has come up short the last four times they've met.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Neumann, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Friday. They had just enough and edged out Estero 3-1.

Sophia Escobar was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 16 over seven innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.

Escobar wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Jennifer Drake, who went 1-for-4 with one triple and one run.

Neumann pushed their record up to 11-3 with the win, which was their 11th straight at home dating back to last season. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.0 runs over those games. As for Mason Classical Academy, they now have a losing record of 4-5.

Mason Classical Academy might still be hurting after the 18-3 defeat they got from Neumann in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Paladins avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.