Softball Game Preview: Heritage Panthers vs. Space Coast Vipers

Heritage is 2-7 against Space Coast since March of 2015 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Monday. The Panthers will look to defend their home field against the Vipers at 6:00 p.m. Heritage has given up an average of 17.2 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Heritage is headed into Monday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their eighth straight game on Wednesday. They lost 14-3 to Cocoa Beach.

Meanwhile, Space Coast earned a 7-3 win over Titusville on Wednesday. The Vipers haven't had any issues with the Terriers recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive victory against them.

Kylie Ulmer made a big impact no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 18 over seven innings pitched. With that strong performance, she is now averaging an impressive 5.3 strikeouts per game. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 3-for-4. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Addilyn Orrick-Cole, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3. Those two hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Abby Minear, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one double, and one RBI.

Heritage's loss dropped their record down to 2-11. As for Space Coast, their win bumped their record up to 9-6.

Heritage suffered a grim 19-6 defeat to Space Coast in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Will the Panthers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.