Softball Game Preview: Berkeley Prep Buccaneers vs. Palm Harbor University Hurricanes

Berkeley Prep is a perfect 3-0 against Palm Harbor University since March of 2022 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. Berkeley Prep will head out on the road to square off against Palm Harbor University at 4:30 p.m. The last three games Berkeley Prep has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.

Two weeks ago, Berkeley Prep sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 7-6 victory over Parrish Community.

Holland Poe

Runs Batted In (Career)

03/13/25 vs Parrish Community	3
03/06/25 vs Wesley Chapel	2
03/01/25 @ Foundation Academy	2
02/28/25 @ Horizon	2
04/16/24 @ Wesley Chapel	2

Holland Poe was incredible, going 1-for-2 with one home run and three RBI. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high. Hannah Cronin also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.

Meanwhile, Palm Harbor University didn't have quite enough to beat Tampa Catholic on Wednesday and fell 6-5.

Palm Harbor University saw six different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Jessica Baker, who scored a run while going 1-for-2.

Berkeley Prep pushed their record up to 8-2 with the win, which was their third straight at home. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Palm Harbor University, their defeat ended a four-game streak of away wins and brought them to 10-4.

Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Thursday. Berkeley Prep hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.4 home runs per game. However, it's not like Palm Harbor University struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 0.6 home runs. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down.

Berkeley Prep skirted past Palm Harbor University 5-4 in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for Berkeley Prep since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.