Softball Preview: Greenbrier Christian Academy Gators vs. Isle of Wight Academy Chargers
Greenbrier Christian Academy has been on the road for seven straight, but on Thursday they'll finally head home. They will take on the Isle of Wight Academy Chargers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Greenbrier Christian Academy put their dominant pitchers on display in the team's third consecutive shutout on Tuesday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand Hampton Christian Academy a 15-0 shutout. With that victory, Greenbrier Christian Academy brought their scoring average up to 7 runs per game.
Haleigh Murphy made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (she also only allowed one walk). Murphy has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive pitching appearances. Murphy was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-3 with three runs, four RBI, and a double.
In other batting news, Elizabeth Thome and Maleah Hinkins did most of the damage at the plate: Thome scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-2, while Hinkins scored three runs while going 3-for-3. Ceinna Jordan was another key contributor, scoring two runs while going 2-for-2.
Meanwhile, Isle of Wight Academy came tearing into Wednesday's contest with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10 runs) and they left with even more momentum. They blew past the Vikings 12-3. Isle of Wight Academy's win was all the more impressive since Broadwater Academy was averaging only 3.11 runs allowed on the season.
Nora Pye spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and three unearned) runs on six hits and racked up six Ks. Those seven innings set a new season-high mark for her.
At the plate, Marlee O'Donnell was incredible, going 3-for-3 with three runs, three doubles, and four RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Sarah Powers, who scored two runs while going 3-for-4.
Greenbrier Christian Academy's victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 7-2. They've been dominating during the matchups in that stretch too, as they've won by an average of 9 runs. As for Isle of Wight Academy, their win bumped their record up to 6-2.
Thursday's game will be a test for both team's pitchers. Greenbrier Christian Academy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .328. However, it's not like Isle of Wight Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .352. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Greenbrier Christian Academy skirted past Isle of Wight Academy 3-1 in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. Will Greenbrier Christian Academy repeat their success, or does Isle of Wight Academy have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
