Softball Game Preview: Nichols Vikings vs. Nardin Academy Gators

Nichols is 0-10 against Nardin Academy since June of 2021 but things could change on Monday. The Vikings will venture away from home to face off against the Gators at 4:30 p.m. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

While Vikings fans will have to keep waiting for their squad to come home, they shouldn't be too worried about the road trip considering the result of Friday's season opener. They put the hurt on East Aurora with a sharp 13-5 win on Friday.

Reyes Rodriguez

Runs Batted In (Career)

04/04/25 @ East Aurora	3
05/08/24 vs St. Mary's	2
04/22/24 @ St. Mary's	2
04/16/24 @ Mount St. Mary Academy	2
05/04/24 @ New Hartford	1

Reyes Rodriguez made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed five innings while giving up four earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. Rodriguez was even better at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Annabelle Berke and Brynn Bacak did most of the damage at the plate: Berke scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4, while Bacak scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4. That's the most hits Berke has posted since back in April of 2024. Riley Keller was another key player, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.

Meanwhile, Nardin Academy was not the first on the board on Friday, but they got there more often. They came out on top against St. Mary's by a score of 7-3.

Abigail McGrath spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on five hits.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Addison Cherry, who scored a run while going 1-for-3. The team also got some help courtesy of Kara Krupski, who scored two runs while going 2-for-4.

Nichols suffered a grim 11-1 defeat to Nardin Academy in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Can the Vikings avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.