Softball Game Preview: Paint Valley Bearcats vs. Piketon Redstreaks

The Paint Valley Bearcats will head out to square off against the Piketon Redstreaks at 5:15 p.m. on Monday. Paint Valley has given up an average of 8.3 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Paint Valley managed to slip by Fairfield the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Bearcats came up short against the Lions on Saturday, falling 22-4.

Meanwhile, Piketon entered their tilt with Eastern on Thursday with five consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with six. They never let the Eagles get on the board and left with a 6-0 win. The result was nothing new for the Redstreaks, who have now won six contests by six runs or more so far this season.

Kyndall Carroll made a splash while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out eight over six innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April of 2024. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and one double.

In other batting news, Aubrey Heath was incredible, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run, two stolen bases, and two runs. Another player making a difference was Briar Penwell, who went 2-for-4 with two runs.

Paint Valley has been struggling recently as they've lost seven of their last eight matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-7 record this season. As for Piketon, their victory was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 11-1.

Paint Valley suffered a grim 8-2 defeat to Piketon when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Can the Bearcats avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.