The O'Connor Eagles will square off against the Xavier College Prep Gators at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. O'Connor is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.2 runs per game this season.
O'Connor took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Wednesday. They came out on top against Casteel by a score of 4-1.
Imani Williams spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on two hits. Those two hits allowed gave her a new career-low.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Raegan Holtorf, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base, two RBI, and one double.
Meanwhile, Xavier College Prep had already won five in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 12.8 runs) and they went ahead and made it six on Tuesday. They were the clear victor by a 7-1 margin over the Wolves. The result was nothing new for the Gators, who have now won six matches by six runs or more so far this season.
Sydney Root made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out eight batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one triple and one run. That triple was her first of the season.
In other batting news, Xavier College Prep let Leah Jollineau and Molly Frazier run wild. Jollineau went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI, while Frazier scored two runs and stole Three bases. while getting on base in two of her three plate appearances. The dominant performance gave Frazier a new career-high in stolen bases. The team also got some help courtesy of Noelani Romo, who went 1-for-3 with one home run.
O'Connor has been performing well recently as they've won six of their last eight contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-5 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.8 runs on average over those games. Xavier College Prep pushed their record up to 6-1-1 with the win, which was their 15th straight at home dating back to last season.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. O'Connor hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .318. However, it's not like Xavier College Prep struggles in that department as they've averaged .405. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
O'Connor suffered a grim 13-0 defeat to Xavier College Prep in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. Will O'Connor have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
