Softball Game Preview: The Academy of the Holy Cross Tartans vs. Paul VI Panthers

The Academy of the Holy Cross hasn't had much luck against Paul VI recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Tartans will look to take advantage of their home field for the first time this season as they take on the Panthers at 4:00 p.m.

The Academy of the Holy Cross is headed into Monday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game dating back to last season on Wednesday. They lost 17-1 to Paul VI.

For Paul VI's part, Presley Gatlin was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out nine over four innings pitched. Gatlin was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple.

In other pitching news, Elizabeth Sullivan looked comfortable as she pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up a single walk in three consecutive appearances.

Back at the plate, Natalie Monroe was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. She is also on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games she's played. Another player making a difference was McKenna Drawbaugh, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI.

Paul VI always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .528. They are 3-1 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

The victory (which was Paul VI's fourth in a row) raised their record to 6-6. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.3 runs on average over those games. As for The Academy of the Holy Cross, their loss dropped their record down to 0-3.