Softball Game Preview: Harding Knights vs. Como Park Cougars

Harding is preparing for their first conference matchup of the season on Friday. They will head out to square off against the Como Park Cougars at 4:00 p.m. Harding is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 13.5 runs per game this season.

Harding took a loss when they played away from home on Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Monday. They were the clear victors by a 20-2 margin over Camden. The victory continues a trend for the Knights in their matchups with the Patriots: they've now won five in a row.

Avorn Vang made a big impact no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out six over four innings pitched. She also allowed four hits, marking her first of the season. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.

In other batting news, Ava Vang was a standout: she scored four runs and stole a base while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Those four runs gave her a new career-high. Mary Thao was another key player, going 2-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.

Harding always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .676. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Meanwhile, Como Park lost 11-1 to Highland Park on Wednesday. The loss continues a trend for the Cougars in their meetings with the Scots: they've now lost six in a row.

Como Park saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Laya James, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-2.

The win got Harding back to even at 2-2. As for Como Park, their defeat was their first of the season and makes their record 2-1.

Harding might still be hurting after the 19-11 loss they got from Como Park in their previous matchup last Monday. Can the Knights avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.