Softball Game Preview: Jordan-Elbridge Eagles vs. Port Byron Panthers

The Jordan-Elbridge Eagles are packing up and heading out on the road for their first away game of the season: they will face off against the Port Byron Panthers at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Jordan-Elbridge is leaving town to face Port Byron after disappointing their home crowd in their season opener. The Eagles lost 15-9 to Solvay two weeks ago. Eagles fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Bearcats since two weeks ago.

Abby DelFavero put in work while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out ten batters over eight innings while giving up six earned (and nine unearned) runs off seven hits. DelFavero was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-5.

In other batting news, Grace Rusyniak was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-4 with one triple and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Isabella Jay, who scored two runs while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances.

Meanwhile, Port Byron is still undefeated this season after their game against Skaneateles on Tuesday, but Skaneateles came as close as anyone has to beating them. The Panthers sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 13-11 victory over the Lakers. The pitching woes were uncharacteristic for the Panthers, who until this contest were averaging 3.75 runs allowed.

Luciana Debois was a standout: she went 1-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. That home run was her first of the season. Raelee McDowell was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing four bases while going 1-for-3.

Port Byron lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.

Everything went Jordan-Elbridge's way against Port Byron when the teams last played back in May of 2024, as Jordan-Elbridge made off with a 7-1 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Eagles since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.