Softball Game Preview: Bradford Owls vs. Port Allegany Gators

The Bradford Owls will square off against the Port Allegany Gators at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Bradford has given up an average of 11.4 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Bradford lost 15-2 to Brockway on Tuesday. The Owls have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Meanwhile, Port Allegany got the win against Cameron County on Thursday by a conclusive 25-7. The Gators might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven matchups by eight runs or more this season.

Bria Wilcox made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out seven batters over 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with five RBI, one run, and one double. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Port Allegany got a massive performance out of Emily Errick, who got on base in five of her six plate appearances with five runs, two stolen bases, and one RBI. That's the most runs Errick has posted since back in April of 2024. Joanna Darush was another key player, getting on base in five of her six plate appearances with five runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.

Port Allegany always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .667. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Port Allegany is on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-6 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.4 runs over those games. As for Bradford, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-5.

Bradford beat Port Allegany 15-11 when the teams last played two weeks ago. Will the Owls repeat their success, or do the Gators have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.