Softball Recap: Thursday's Win Is Excel's Third in Last Four Outings

After losing to W.S. Neal the last time they met, Excel decided to demonstrate that turnabout is fair play. The Panthers came out on top against the Eagles by a score of 8-4 on Thursday.

Avery Duke was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched seven innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off eight hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one run and one double.

Emilee Gulsby

Runs Batted In (Career)

04/16/26 vs W.S. Neal	4
03/12/26 @ W.S. Neal	3
03/09/26 @ Hillcrest	2
02/24/26 vs Hillcrest	2
04/14/26 vs T.R. Miller	1

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Emilee Gulsby, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Lillian Martin was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one double and one RBI.

Excel 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 three consecutive contests.

Excel is on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-11 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.5 runs over those games. As for W.S. Neal, they are on a five-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 5-15.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Excel will welcome Flomaton at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Hurricanes have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 7.85 runs per game on average), something the Panthers will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for W.S. Neal, they will look to defend their home field on Tuesday against Central at 5:30 p.m. The Eagles' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Jaguars have averaged an impressive 12.4 runs per game this season.