Softball Game Preview: Bellmont Braves vs. Leo Lions

Bellmont hasn't had much luck against Leo recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Braves will head out on the road to take on the Lions at 5:30 p.m. Bellmont is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.8 runs per game this season.

Bellmont is headed into Wednesday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fifth straight game on Friday. They fell 5-0 to South Adams. The contest marked the first time this season in which the Braves were not able to get on the board.

Bella Ashley spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and three unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up nine Ks.

Meanwhile, Leo waltzed into their game on Monday with five straight wins... but they left with six. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past the Knights 3-1.

Leo also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Leah Shappell gave up only one earned run on six hits and racked up 13 Ks. Shappell has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Carley Funk was excellent, going 1-for-3 with one home run.

Leo pushed their record up to 16-3 with the win, which was their third straight on the road. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.3 runs over those games. As for Bellmont, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-8.

Bellmont couldn't quite finish off Leo in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 and fell 2-0. Can the Braves avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.