Softball Game Preview: North Branford Thunderbirds vs. Norwich Free Academy Wildcats

North Branford is 0-3 against Norwich Free Academy since May of 2015 but things could change on Thursday. The Thunderbirds will welcome the Wildcats at 6:00 p.m. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (North Branford 1.6, Norwich Free Academy 3.1) so any runs scored will be well earned.

North Branford is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Connecticut's top teams: Masuk, who was ranked fourth at the time (North Branford was ranked eighth). The Thunderbirds came up short against the Panthers on Tuesday, falling 11-1. The game marked the Thunderbirds' lowest-scoring matchup so far this season.

Meanwhile, Norwich Free Academy waltzed into their contest on Monday with eight straight wins... but they left with nine. They never let the Bears get on the board and left with a 7-0 win. The Wildcats might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight matchups by six runs or more this season.

The result came thanks to Olivia Bourdon's shutout, as she gave up just a hit and racked up nine Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up a single earned run in four consecutive appearances.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Sophie Miner, who went 1-for-3 with three stolen bases and three runs. Those three stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Aubrey Martin was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.

Norwich Free Academy's victory was their sixth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 12-2. Those road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.5 runs on average over those games. As for North Branford, their defeat was their first of the season and makes their record 14-1.

North Branford couldn't quite get it done against Norwich Free Academy in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 as they fell 4-1. Will the Thunderbirds have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.