Softball Game Preview: Meadowbrook Monarchs vs. Highland Springs Springers

Meadowbrook hasn't had much luck against Highland Springs recently, but that could start to change on Monday. After both having extra time off, the two teams will shake off the rust and duke it out at 6:00 p.m. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Meadowbrook will bounce into Monday's game after beating Colonial Heights, who they had gone 0-9 against in their nine prior meetings. The Monarchs came out on top against the Colonials by a score of 8-3 last Thursday.

Meanwhile, Highland Springs got the win against L.C. Bird last Thursday by a conclusive 16-4. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Springers.

Elise Fleming made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out six batters over six innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season. She was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off four doubles, three runs, and three RBI while going 4-for-5.

In other batting news, Ashlynne Porter was incredible, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with two triples, three RBI, and two runs. Samantha Gathright was another key player, scoring four runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.

Highland Springs was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .412. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .320 or higher in three consecutive contests.

Highland Springs' victory bumped their record up to 3-1. As for Meadowbrook, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-2.

Meadowbrook suffered a grim 18-0 defeat to Highland Springs in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. Can the Monarchs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.