Softball Game Preview: Cerro Gordo/Bement Broncos vs. Blue Ridge Knights

Cerro Gordo/Bement is 0-6 against Blue Ridge since April of 2019 but things could change on Monday. The Broncos will look to defend their home field against the Knights at 4:30 p.m.

Cerro Gordo/Bement is headed into Monday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their eighth straight game on Thursday. They lost 9-2 to Arcola.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Blue Ridge). They put the hurt on Decatur Eisenhower with a sharp 19-3 win on Saturday. The victory continues a trend for the Knights in their matchups with the Panthers: they've now won six in a row.

Ellie Schlieper made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March.

In other batting news, Blue Ridge got a massive performance out of Presley Hardesty, who got on base in all three of her plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Those two RBI gave Hardesty a new career-high. Karlee Fenton was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.

Blue Ridge kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are 4-1 when they post 11 or more hits.

Blue Ridge's win bumped their record up to 7-9. As for Cerro Gordo/Bement, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-12.

Cerro Gordo/Bement might still be hurting after the 9-0 loss they got from Blue Ridge in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Will the Broncos have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.