Softball Game Preview: Appleton North Lightning vs. Oshkosh West Wildcats

Appleton North is 0-10 against Oshkosh West since May of 2018 but things could change on Thursday. The Lightning will venture away from home to square off against the Wildcats at 4:30 p.m. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

On Tuesday, Appleton North needed a bit of extra time to put away Fond du Lac. They had just enough and edged out the Cardinals 5-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Lightning have posted since May 4, 2024.

Meanwhile, Oshkosh West got the win against Appleton East on Tuesday by a conclusive 11-1. The Wildcats haven't had any issues with the Patriots recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive win against them.

The victory made it two in a row for Appleton North and bumps their season record up to 2-3. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.5 runs over those games. As for Oshkosh West, their record now sits at 9-7.

Appleton North might still be hurting after the 20-5 loss they got from Oshkosh West in their previous meeting back in April. Can the Lightning avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.