Softball Game Preview: Appalachian Eagles vs. Ragland Purple Devils

The Appalachian Eagles will challenge the Ragland Purple Devils at 1:00 p.m. on Monday. Appalachian will be strutting in after a win while Ragland will be coming in after a loss.

On Thursday, Appalachian was able to grind out a solid victory over Victory Christian, taking the game 10-6.

Tori Atkinson

Base on Balls Against

03/13/25 @ Victory Christian	2
03/11/25 vs Southeastern	1
02/27/25 vs West End	1
02/24/25 vs Cleveland	2

Tori Atkinson tossed a big game, pitching 5.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off three hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season.

On the hitting side, Graci McGuire was incredible, scoring two runs while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances. The team also got some help courtesy of Sophie Peek, who scored a run while going 2-for-4.

Appalachian hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post two or more strikeouts.

Meanwhile, Wednesday just wasn't the day for Ragland's offense. They came up short against Springville on Wednesday, falling 15-0. The Purple Devils haven't had much luck with the Tigers recently, as the team has come up short the last five times they've met.

Appalachian now has a winning record of 4-3. As for Ragland, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-7.

Appalachian was able to grind out a solid win over Ragland when the teams last played back in May of 2024, winning 13-8. Will Appalachian repeat their success, or does Ragland have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.