Huntington had lost 16 straight on the road dating back to last season, but on Tuesday they dropped their record down to 3-19 to make it 17. They fell 10-7 to the Tug Valley Panthers. The Highlanders were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Panthers earlier this season, when they won 10-4.
Layla Crickard was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. On the mound, she pitched 5.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits. Crickard was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with four stolen bases and two runs.
In other batting news, Aubrey Thomas was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Ellie Fei, who went 1-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.
As for Tug Valley, they have been performing well recently as they've won six of their last eight matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 16-9 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.1 runs over those games.
Like Huntington, Tug Valley also got a great game from a two-way player: Bailee Hall. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over 4.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. Hall has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and four RBI.
In other batting news, Katie Hall was incredible, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.
Looking ahead, Huntington will face off against Capital at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The Highlanders are facing the Cougars at the right time seeing as the Cougars are stuck on a ten-game losing streak. As for Tug Valley, they will venture away from home to face off against Van at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The Panthers will also cruise into their next game with the timing on their side: the Bulldogs will have lost six straight heading into Wednesday's contest.
