Softball Game Preview: Our Lady of Mercy Academy Villagers vs. Gloucester Catholic Rams

The Our Lady of Mercy Academy Villagers will head out to face off against the Gloucester Catholic Rams at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Our Lady of Mercy Academy managed to slip by Collingswood the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Villagers lost 9-2 to the Panthers on Monday. The Villagers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Our Lady of Mercy Academy saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Riley Welker, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base and one RBI.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Gloucester Catholic, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Thursday. Everything went their way against Salem on Monday as they made off with a 15-0 victory. The result was nothing new for Gloucester Catholic, who have now won three matches by ten runs or more so far this season.

Bristol Haydak was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up a single earned run in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. That triple was her first of the season.

In other batting news, Maya Hutchinson was incredible, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in May of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Kate Bonawitz, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one RBI.

Gloucester Catholic always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .655. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Our Lady of Mercy Academy's loss dropped their record down to 4-8. As for Gloucester Catholic, their record now sits at 5-2.

Our Lady of Mercy Academy skirted past Gloucester Catholic 3-2 in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Will the Villagers repeat their success, or do the Rams have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.