Softball Game Preview: Portland Adventist Academy Cougars vs. Banks Braves

The Portland Adventist Academy Cougars will venture away from home to take on the Banks Braves at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. Portland Adventist Academy has given up an average of 11.5 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Portland Adventist Academy fell victim to Warrenton and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They came up short against the Warriors, falling 11-0. The loss continues a trend for the Cougars in their meetings with the Warriors: they've now lost three in a row.

Meanwhile, Banks hadn't done well against Valley Catholic recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Braves walked away with a 14-10 win over the Valiants. The game was the first time the Braves have beaten the Valiants on their field since April 25, 2018.

Naomi Brown made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one hit in six consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with three runs and three RBI. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Khloe Long was incredible, going 4-for-5 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in May of 2024. Brooklyn Evans was another key player, going 3-for-5 with three RBI and one stolen base.

Banks kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 17 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in seven consecutive matchups.

Banks has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 10-7-1 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.9 runs over those games. As for Portland Adventist Academy, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-3.