Softball Game Preview: Hickory Ridge Ragin' Bulls vs. Legion Collegiate Academy Lancers

The Hickory Ridge Ragin' Bulls will head out to take on the Legion Collegiate Academy Lancers at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Hickory Ridge will be strutting in after a victory while Legion Collegiate Academy will be coming in after a defeat.

While Hickory Ridge's win against Lake Norman wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Ragin' Bulls never let the Wildcats get on the board and left with a 1-0 victory on Tuesday. Those one runs were actually the fewest the Ragin' Bulls have put up all season, but given the result they're probably not too concerned.

Embler Kristyn was a major factor no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out ten over seven innings pitched. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one home run.

Meanwhile, Legion Collegiate Academy didn't have quite enough to beat Mountain View Prep on Wednesday and fell 5-3.

Brynley Gaa spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and three unearned) runs on nine hits.

At the plate, Gracyn Hagler was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one home run and two RBI. That home run was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Savannah Cornwell, who scored a run while going 2-for-3.

Legion Collegiate Academy's loss dropped their record down to 7-6-1. As for Hickory Ridge, their record now sits at 9-2.

Thursday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Hickory Ridge hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .353. However, it's not like Legion Collegiate Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .318. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Hickory Ridge couldn't quite finish off Legion Collegiate Academy when the teams last played back in March of 2024 and fell 7-5. Can the Ragin' Bulls avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.