Softball Game Preview: Old Plank Christian Academy Defenders vs. First Coast Christian Knights

Old Plank Christian Academy has gone 8-1 against First Coast Christian recently and they'll look to pad the win column further on Monday. The Old Plank Christian Academy Defenders will host the First Coast Christian Knights at 6:00 p.m. The timing is sure in Old Plank Christian Academy's favor as the team sits on five straight wins at home (dating back to last season) while First Coast Christian has been banged up by four consecutive losses on the road also dating back to last season.

Having struggled with five losses in a row dating back to last season, Old Plank Christian Academy turned things around against ED White on Thursday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Commanders a 21-0 shutout. Considering the Defenders' hitters had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.

Laiton Pechin

Runs Batted In (Career)

03/06/25 vs ED White	8
04/05/24 vs Eagle's View	2
03/07/24 @ Parsons Christian Academy	2
02/25/25 @ Harvest Community	1
04/08/24 vs Christ's Church Academy	1

The team relied heavily on Laiton Pechin, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, eight RBI, and two stolen bases. The dominant performance gave her a new career-high in RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Sophia Rodriguez, who scored two runs and stole Five bases. while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.

While First Coast Christian didn't have the best season last year (they finished 5-9), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They blew past Parsons Christian Academy 17-6 on Monday. The win continues a trend for the Knights in their matchups with the Lions: they've now won eight in a row.

First Coast Christian got a massive performance out of DJ Pickard, who scored four runs and stole Eight bases. while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Pickard is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's snagged at least three every time she's taken the field this season. Another player making a difference was Faith Whidden, who scored three runs and stole Five bases. while going 2-for-3.

First Coast Christian was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .526. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .467 or higher every time they've taken the field this season.

First Coast Christian's victory bumped their record up to 4-0. As for Old Plank Christian Academy, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-2.

Monday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Old Plank Christian Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .525. However, it's not like First Coast Christian struggles in that department as they've averaged .778. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.