The Ponder Lions will square off against the Whitesboro Bearcats at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Ponder 3.8, Whitesboro 4) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Ponder's usually-dominant pitching crew will be looking to make up for Friday's struggle, when Paradise hitters got past them. The Lions lost 13-7 to the Panthers on Friday. It was the first time this season that the Lions let down their fans at home.
Ponder got a massive performance out of Skyler Medders, who scored a run while going 4-for-5. The team also got some help courtesy of Skylar Kysiak, who scored a run and stole a base while going 3-for-4.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Whitesboro). They put the hurt on Callisburg with a sharp 26-7 victory on Tuesday. The win was nothing new for the Bearcats as they're now sitting on seven straight.
Avery Howerton made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off three home runs, seven RBI, and four runs while going 3-for-4. That's the most runs she has posted since back in May of 2024.
In other batting news, Whitesboro got a massive performance out of Bradi Gallaway, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with five RBI, three runs, and two doubles. That's the most hits Gallaway has posted since back in February. Tylar Olsen was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI.
Whitesboro was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .593. They are 11-1 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Whitesboro pushed their record up to 15-7 with the victory, which was their third straight on the road. Those road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.3 runs over those games. As for Ponder, their loss dropped their record down to 9-4.
Monday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Ponder hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .410. However, it's not like Whitesboro struggles in that department as they've averaged .396. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Ponder might still be hurting after the 12-0 defeat they got from Whitesboro when the teams last played back in March. Will the Lions have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
