Softball Recap: DeRidder Triumphs

DeRidder took a 15-run loss the last time they faced off against Barbe, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. DeRidder came out on top in a nail-biter against Barbe on Monday, sneaking past 14-12. For the Dragons, this counts as revenge for the 15-0 victory the Buccaneers walked away with the last time they faced one another back in March of 2020.

Laila Roberson was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She tossed seven innings while giving up three earned (and nine unearned) runs off nine hits. What's more, she gave up only two walks, the fewest she's had over her last seven matchups. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-3. That's the most hits she has posted since back in February.

In other batting news, Demi Burks was incredible, scoring five runs and stealing two bases while going 4-for-4. Those five runs gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Kamoree Childs, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4.

DeRidder is on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 9-12 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.5 runs over those games. Barbe moved to 12-7 with that defeat, which also ended their four-game winning streak.

Coming up, DeRidder will take on Iowa at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Barbe, they are taking a road trip to face off against Lafayette at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Barbe's pitchers better be ready for this one: Lafayette has averaged an impressive 10.1 runs per game this season.