Softball Recap: Hazleton Area Comes Up Short

Hazleton Area extended their losing streak to six on Monday, dropping their season record down to 5-7 in the process. They took an 8-3 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Dallas Mountaineers. Cougars fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Mountaineers since on Monday.

Olivia Williams was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one double. That triple was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Isabella Boyle, who went 1-for-3 with one home run.

As for Dallas, the victory (which was their fifth in a row) raised their record to 7-3. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.4 runs on average over those games.

On Dallas' side, NINA BARROUK made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up three earned runs off six hits. BARROUK has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than eight strikeouts in eight consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one double and one RBI.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on SYDNEY HAYDU, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. SOPHIA MAIER was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three stolen bases and one run.

We've got plenty of inter-conference action coming up soon. Hazleton Area is set to face off against their familiar foe Tunkhannock at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Dallas will take on rival Pittston at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday. Both teams are headed into the matchup with plenty of momentum (the Mountaineers have won three straight at home, while the Patriots won four straight on the road), something that'll have to change.