Game Info:
📅 Date: February 9, 2025
📍 Location: Clearwater, Florida
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM ET
📺 Streaming: GameChanger App a free account is required to follow the action, once created search for Kentucky NFCA and it will appear as a game to watch.
The Kentucky Wildcats are on fire to start the 2025 softball season, storming through the first two days of the NFCA Leadoff Classic with a perfect 4-0 record. With dominant run-rule victories in each game, Kentucky has flexed its offensive power and pitching depth. Next up? A high-stakes showdown against No. 8 Duke, a team looking to rebound after dropping two straight games.
Kentucky’s Dominant Start
Kentucky has wasted no time making a statement, outscoring opponents 44-7 through its first four games. Here’s a quick look at the results:
- 🥎 vs. Pittsburgh – W, 7-0
- 🥎 vs. Notre Dame – W, 12-4 (5 innings)
- 🥎 vs. Morgan State – W, 12-0 (5 innings)
- 🥎 vs. Southern Miss – W, 13-3 (5 innings)
The Wildcats are averaging an eye-popping 11 runs per game, while their pitching staff has held opponents to just a .143 batting average. Alexia Lacatena (0.00 ERA, 7.0 IP) and Julie Kelley (0.00 ERA, 5.0 IP) have been nearly untouchable in the circle, while the offense is led by Peyton Plotts (.615 AVG, 9 RBI) and Cassie Reasner (.583 AVG, 1.615 OPS).
Scouting No. 8 Duke
Duke enters this matchup 2-2 after a strong start but suffered back-to-back losses:
- ❌ Lost to No. 21 Northwestern, 4-1
- ❌ Lost to No. 15 Missouri, 10-3
The Blue Devils have shown offensive firepower, hitting .360 as a team, but their pitching has struggled, allowing 5.32 ERA across four games.
🔹 Duke Players to Watch:
- KK Mathis (.500 AVG, 1.083 OPS) – Consistent at the plate, leading Duke in batting average.
- Aminah Vega (.462 AVG, 3 doubles, 5 RBI) – Extra-base hit machine.
- Cassidy Curd (0.58 ERA, 14 Ks in 12 IP) – Duke’s ace in the circle, will likely start vs. Kentucky.
🔹 Key Matchup: Kentucky’s Hot Bats vs. Duke’s Pitching
Duke’s biggest weakness so far has been keeping runs off the board, surrendering 14 runs over the last two games. Kentucky, meanwhile, has been ruthless at the plate, with five different players batting over .500. If the Wildcats continue their aggressive offense, Duke will have a tough time slowing them down.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky is rolling, but Duke is still a top-10 team with talent across the board. If the Wildcats can stay patient against Curd, continue their power hitting, and get another solid performance in the circle, they have a great shot at making it 5-0 to start the season.
Catch the action live at 11:00 AM ET on the GameChanger app! 🥎🔥