Softball Game Preview: Summit Hilltoppers vs. Oak Knoll Royals

Summit is a perfect 6-0 against Oak Knoll since April of 2015 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Tuesday. The Hilltoppers will look to defend their home field against the Royals at 4:00 p.m. Summit is coming into the contest hot, having won their last six games.

Summit took a eight-run loss the last time they faced off against Dayton, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Hilltoppers came out on top in a nail-biter against the Bulldogs on Monday, sneaking past 3-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Hilltoppers have posted since April 1st.

Caroline Putnam was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run and two runs. That home run was her first of the season.

Meanwhile, Oak Knoll didn't have quite enough to beat Kent Place on Wednesday and fell 8-7. The Royals have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Kaitlin Wincko spent all 11 innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and four unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up 17 Ks. With that strong performance, she is now averaging an impressive 6.8 strikeouts per game.

On the hitting side, Amelia Flood made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and got on base in all six of her plate appearances with four RBI, one run, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Abby Han, who got on base in five of her six plate appearances with three runs and one double.

Summit's victory bumped their record up to 9-2. As for Oak Knoll, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-4.

Summit took their win against Oak Knoll in their previous meeting on April 3rd by a conclusive 11-0 score. Do the Hilltoppers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Royals turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.