The Celebration Storm will head out on the road to take on the First Academy Eagles at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Celebration has given up an average of 14.3 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Celebration lost 25-9 to Ridge Community on Wednesday.
Briar Kraft stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: she got on base in all four of her plate appearances with two RBI and one run. The team also got some help courtesy of Valeria Castellano, who went 2-for-3 with three runs and one stolen base.
Meanwhile, First Academy had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 15.5 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Monday. Everything went their way against the Raiders as they made off with a 22-6 win. The result was nothing new for the Eagles, who have now won three matchups by 11 runs or more so far this season.
Ashlyn Neiford and Rebecca Barnett did most of the damage at the plate: Neiford fired off two home runs, three runs, and four RBI while going 4-for-5, while Barnett went 3-for-4 with five RBI, three runs, and two doubles. Those four hits gave Neiford a new career-high. Mad Myers also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
First Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .698. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .556 or higher in three consecutive contests.
Celebration's loss was their third straight at home, which dropped their record down to 2-4. As for First Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 3-1.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Celebration hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .414. However, it's not like First Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .526. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Celebration got the 'W' in their previous meeting back in February of 2025 against First Academy by a conclusive 24-14 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Storm since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
