Softball Recap: Nandua Comes Up Short

Nandua had lost four straight at home, but on Tuesday they dropped their record down to 4-8 to make it five. They lost 15-1 to the Arcadia Firebirds. The Warriors were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Firebirds apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in May of 2024.

As for Arcadia, the win got them back to even at 7-7. Considering they have won seven contests by more than nine runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

For Arcadia's part, Ryann Giddens made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out 13 batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit (and not a single walk). Giddens has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with four runs, two stolen bases, and one RBI. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Brinlee Kauthen and Megan Montross did most of the damage at the plate: Kauthen went 3-for-4 with five RBI, three runs, and one triple, while Montross went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. Montross has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last four times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Payton Taylor, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with three runs and one stolen base.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Nandua will square off against Northampton at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Yellowjackets have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 19 runs per game on average), something the Warriors will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for Arcadia, they will take on Holly Grove Christian at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The Firebirds' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Eagles have averaged an impressive 13.5 runs per game this season.