Softball Game Preview: Newman Central Catholic Comets vs. Princeton Tigers

The Newman Central Catholic Comets will venture away from home to square off against the Princeton Tigers at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Newman Central Catholic is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.4 runs per game this season.

Hall hit Newman Central Catholic with a four-run sixth inning on Monday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Comets fell 10-5 to the Red Devils. Comets fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Red Devils since on Monday.

Gianna Vance

Batters Struck Out

03/28/25 @ Morrison	1
03/21/25 vs Rockridge	2
03/27/25 @ West Carroll	2
04/11/25 @ Orion	2
03/18/25 @ Sterling	3

Gianna Vance spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five earned (and five unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up ten Ks. Those ten strikeouts set a new season-high mark for her.

At the plate, Lucy Oetting made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. Brenleigh Cook was another key player, getting on base in two of her three plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.

Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Princeton faced off against Erie-Prophetstown on Monday. The Tigers fell just short of the Panthers by a score of 10-9. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since May 4, 2021, but that streak is no more.

Princeton got a massive performance out of Caroline Keutzer, who went 3-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Keely Lawson, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.

Newman Central Catholic has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-9 record this season. As for Princeton, their loss dropped their record down to 4-6.

Newman Central Catholic might still be hurting after the 15-5 defeat they got from Princeton in their previous meeting two weeks ago. Can the Comets avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.