Softball Recap: American Leadership Academy Comes Up Short

American Leadership Academy had lost four straight on the road, but on Tuesday they dropped their record down to 5-16-1 to make it five. They lost 11-2 to the Ninety Six Wildcats. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Wildcats this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 20-2 back in March.

American Leadership Academy saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Ella Lemonis, who went 1-for-2 with one RBI.

As for Ninety Six, the victory was the seventh in a row for them, bringing their record up to 15-3. Considering they have won 12 matchups by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

On Ninety Six's side, Jocelyn Coleman made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Coleman has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Evie Montgomery was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three stolen bases and three runs. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Katie Fortner, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. American Leadership Academy will venture away from home to take on Horse Creek Academy at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Stallions will roll in looking for their tenth straight win, something the Patriots surely won't give up without a fight. As for Ninety Six, they will head out on the road to challenge Midland Valley at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (the Wildcats 4.1, the Mustangs 3.6) so any runs scored will be well earned.