Softball Game Preview: Loogootee Lions vs. Springs Valley Blackhawks

The Loogootee Lions will head out to challenge the Springs Valley Blackhawks at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Loogootee has now lost seven straight, leaving the team hunting for their first win since March 31.

Loogootee blew Wood Memorial out of the water the last time the pair played, but on Thursday Wood Memorial got their revenge. The Lions fell just short of the Trojans by a score of 18-16. Even though they lost, the Lions' still made a splash at the plate and bumped their average scoring up to 6.7 runs per game (they're now ranked -1th in scoring overall).

Breanna Courter and Jocelynn Sims stepped up to the plate in a big way. Courter got on base in three of her five plate appearances with four runs, one triple, and two RBI, while Sims went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double. That double was Sims' first of the season. Another player making a difference was Brianna Eckerle, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one run, and one double.

Meanwhile, Wednesday just wasn't the day for Springs Valley's offense. They came up short against Forest Park on Wednesday, falling 8-0. The match marked the first time this year in which the Blackhawks were not able to get on the board.

Lily Hickman spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five earned (and three unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up 14 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in six consecutive appearances.

Springs Valley is on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 4-4. As for Loogootee, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-8.

The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Loogootee has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.9 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Springs Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.1 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.