Softball Game Preview: Nichols Vikings vs. Mount Mercy Academy Magic

The Nichols Vikings will head out to challenge the Mount Mercy Academy Magic at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday. Nichols has given up an average of 9 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Nichols managed to slip by Mount Mercy Academy the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Vikings came up short against the Magic last Tuesday, falling 12-6. Vikings fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Magic since last Tuesday.

For Mount Mercy Academy's part, Taylor Jahn made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 16 batters over seven innings while giving up five earned (and one unearned) runs off eight hits (and only one walk). Jahn was also big at the plate, going 2-for-5 with three runs and one RBI.

In other batting news, Riley Coughlin and Laila Golda did most of the damage at the plate: Coughlin went 3-for-5 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs, while Golda went a perfect 5-for-5 with one home run, five runs, and one double. Those four RBI gave Coughlin a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Natalie McOwen, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double.

Mount Mercy Academy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .395. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .308 or higher in four consecutive games.

Mount Mercy Academy's loss dropped their record down to 5-2. As for Nichols, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-2.

Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Wednesday. Nichols hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.6 home runs per game. However, it's not like Mount Mercy Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 0.9 home runs. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.