Softball Game Preview: Amherst Falcons vs. Wittenberg-Birnamwood Chargers

The Amherst Falcons will face off against the Wittenberg-Birnamwood Chargers at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The last eight games Amherst has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.

Thursday just wasn't the day for Amherst's offense. They fell just short of Weyauwega-Fremont by a score of 1-0 on Thursday. That's two games in a row now that the Falcons have lost by just one run.

Sam Nooyen spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on two hits and racked up nine Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season.

Meanwhile, Wittenberg-Birnamwood never let their opponents score on Thursday. Everything went their way against Shiocton as they made off with a 10-0 victory. The result was nothing new for the Chargers, who have now won seven contests by six runs or more so far this season.

Not much got past Ella Eichman, who gave up just four hits to keep Shiocton off the board.

At the plate, Wittenberg-Birnamwood got a massive performance out of Rory Salvesen, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. The team also got some help courtesy of Sophia Lemieux, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.

Amherst has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-4 record this season. Even worse, they were so close so many times: the defeats came by an average of only 1.5 runs. As for Wittenberg-Birnamwood, their win ended a four-game drought at home and bumped them up to 8-5.

Amherst came up short against Wittenberg-Birnamwood in their previous meeting back in May of 2024, falling 6-1. Will the Falcons have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.