Softball Game Preview: Staunton Storm vs. Stuarts Draft Cougars

Staunton hasn't had much luck against Stuarts Draft recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Storm will be playing at home against the Cougars at 5:30 p.m.

Staunton is headed into Tuesday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 18th straight game dating back to last season on Tuesday. They came up short against Buffalo Gap, falling 21-0.

Meanwhile, Stuarts Draft won against Waynesboro on Tuesday with nine runs and they decided to stick to that run total again on Thursday. The Cougars never let Riverheads get on the board and left with a 9-0 win. That looming 9-0 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Cougars yet this season.

Karlee Layne made a splash no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out ten over seven innings pitched. Those ten strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. She also put up a double, which was her first of the season.

In other batting news, Madison Mason and Maddy Miller did most of the damage at the plate: Mason went 3-for-4 with three doubles, two runs, and one RBI, while Miller scored three runs while going 2-for-4. The dominant performance also gave Miller a new career-high in doubles (two). Sierra Whetsel was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and one double.

Stuarts Draft kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in four consecutive contests.

Staunton's defeat dropped their record down to 0-3. As for Stuarts Draft, the victory was their first at home , bumping their record up to 3-4.

Staunton might still be hurting after the 14-8 loss they got from Stuarts Draft in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Will the Storm have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.