Softball Game Preview: Newport Wildcats vs. Highlands Bluebirds

Newport is 0-8 against Highlands since April of 2015 but things could change on Monday. The Wildcats will welcome the Bluebirds at 5:00 p.m. Newport has given up an average of 22 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Newport is headed into Monday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their ninth straight game on Friday. They lost 22-5 to Dayton.

Meanwhile, Highlands came tearing into Friday's match with seven straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 6.7 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They skirted past the Lions 4-2.

Kaitlyn Dixon spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on seven hits and racked up eight Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Payton Brown, who went 2-for-3 with one home run and one double.

Newport's defeat dropped their record down to 0-9. As for Highlands, their victory bumped their record up to 15-5-1.

Newport suffered a grim 16-0 defeat to Highlands in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Will the Wildcats 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.