Malone hasn't had much luck against Vernon recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Tigers will host the Jackets at 6:00 p.m. Malone is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last five games.
While Malone's victory against Poplar Springs wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Tigers sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 6-5 win over the Atomics on Thursday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Tigers have posted since April 7, 2025.
Arielle Dickens
| 04/09/26 @ Poplar Springs | 14 |
| 04/07/26 vs Houston County | 5 |
| 04/02/26 vs Daleville | 4 |
| 03/30/26 @ Graceville | 7 |
| 03/13/26 vs Jefferson County | 9 |
| + 4 more games |
Arielle Dickens was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 14 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off five hits. With that strong performance, she is now averaging an impressive 5.6 strikeouts per game. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Hailey Josey, who went 3-for-4 with four stolen bases and two runs. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged two or more in each of the last five games she's played. Another player making a difference was Anoshua Wesley, who went 2-for-4 with three stolen bases and two runs.
Meanwhile, Vernon made easy work of Abbeville Christian Academy on Monday and carried off a 17-5 win. The result was nothing new for the Jackets, who have now won seven contests by ten runs or more so far this season.
Like Malone, Vernon also got a great game from a two-way player: Juliana Brizzolara. On the mound, she tossed six innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off six hits. Brizzolara was even better at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three runs, three doubles, and two RBI. Those three doubles gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Vernon got a massive performance out of Cheyenne Wilson, who went 3-for-4 with four runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. McKaela Haselow was another key player, going 1-for-5 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
Vernon now has a winning record of 9-8. As for Malone, their victory bumped their record up to 6-3.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Malone has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .515. However, it's not like Vernon struggles in that department as they've averaged .485. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Malone might still be hurting after the 19-4 defeat they got from Vernon in their previous meeting back in February. Will the Tigers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
