Softball Game Preview: Isle of Wight Academy Chargers vs. Arcadia Firebirds

The Isle of Wight Academy Chargers will face off against the Arcadia Firebirds at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

Isle of Wight Academy took a loss when they played away from home last Monday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Wednesday. They never let Norfolk Christian get on the board and left with a 21-0 victory. The Chargers have beaten the Ambassadors the last four times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Ambassadors has come to flipping the script.

Meanwhile, Arcadia got the win against Salisbury Christian on Tuesday by a conclusive 15-4. With that win, the Firebirds brought their scoring average up to 6.8 runs per game.

Brinlee Kauthen made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 12 batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off four hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one walk in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with three runs, two RBI, and one double.

In other batting news, Megan Montross was a standout: she went 2-for-4 with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024. Payton Taylor was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.

Arcadia always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .706. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

Isle of Wight Academy's victory bumped their record up to 5-7. As for Arcadia, their win ended a four-game drought at home and bumped them up to 4-5.