The Lincoln Fighting Zebras will challenge the Pioneer Patriots at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Lincoln has given up an average of 11.1 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Thursday just wasn't the day for Lincoln's offense. They came up short against Colfax last Thursday, falling 17-0. Having soared to a lofty 14 runs in the game before, the Fighting Zebras' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Lincoln saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Mia Maldonado, who went 1-for-2 with one double.
Meanwhile, Pioneer came tearing into Friday's contest with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10.7 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They were the clear victors by an 11-2 margin over the Rams. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest victory the Patriots have posted against the Rams since May 8, 2019.
Jia Beebe spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on two hits and racked up nine Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Sofia Hernandez, who fired off two home runs, five RBI, and three runs while going 3-for-4. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Marisa Bryson, who went 3-for-4 with three runs and one double.
Pioneer was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .441. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Dixon only posted a batting average of .091.
Pioneer's win was their seventh straight at home, which pushed their record up to 15-4. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.3 runs over those games. As for Lincoln, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-12 record this season.
Lincoln suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Pioneer when the teams last played back in February of 2024. Will the Fighting Zebras have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
