The North Stars are headed away from home for the first time to take on the Centennial Golden Hawks at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. North knows how to get runs on the board -- the squad has finished with ten runs or more in their past three contests -- so hopefully Centennial likes a good challenge.
While North didn't have the best season last year (they finished 10-20), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They blew past Foothill 17-1 on Tuesday. Considering the Stars have won eight games by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Mollie McKinley
| 03/18/25 vs Foothill | 1 |
| 03/18/25 vs Frazier Mountain | 1 |
| 03/11/25 vs Kern Valley | 1 |
Mollie McKinley was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out seven batters over 4.2 innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing Two bases. while going 1-for-2.
In other batting news, Kaitlin Branson was a standout: she scored three runs and stole Four bases. while going 2-for-2. The team also got some help courtesy of Allison Jauregui, who went 1-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one triple.
North was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .565. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .312 or higher every time they've taken the field this season.
Centennial had taken Highland down for three straight games at home, but that winning streak came to an end on Monday. Centennial came up short against Highland, falling 11-1. Having soared to a lofty 13 runs in the game before, the Golden Hawks couldn't push the score so high this time.
Leah Barboza was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 1-for-1 with three stolen bases and one RBI. Those three stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Lundyn Harrison was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases.
North pushed their record up to 9-1 with the win, which was their third straight at home. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.3 runs on average over those games. As for Centennial, their loss dropped their record down to 5-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. North has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Centennial struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
