Softball Game Preview: McKeel Academy Wildcats vs. Auburndale Bloodhounds

McKeel Academy hasn't had much luck against Auburndale recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The McKeel Academy Wildcats will head out on the road to face off against the Auburndale Bloodhounds at 7:30 p.m. McKeel Academy is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.

McKeel Academy took a loss when they played away from home on Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They blew past Discovery 16-0. The Wildcats' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

Chloe Lanier was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). That's the first time she hasn't allowed a single hit since back in March of 2024. She was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-2. She also hit a double, marking her first of the season.

Hannah Brenneman

Runs (Career)

02/25/25 vs Discovery	3
03/09/24 vs Academy at the Lakes	2
02/14/25 vs Robinson	1
04/30/24 vs Avon Park	1
03/25/24 vs Lake Placid	1

In other batting news, Monica Tillery and Hannah Brenneman did most of the damage at the plate: Tillery went 1-for-2 with one home run, one stolen base, and two RBI, while Brenneman scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3. Those three runs gave Brenneman a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Mary Montgomery, who scored a run and stole three bases while getting on base in two of her three plate appearances.

McKeel Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .720. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Meanwhile, Auburndale scored first but ultimately less than Sebring in their game on Tuesday. They fell just short of the Blue Streaks by a score of 5-4. The Bloodhounds haven't had much luck with the Blue Streaks recently, as the team has come up short the last three times they've met.

Abby Meadows was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.

Auburndale's loss dropped their record down to 0-2. As for McKeel Academy, the win got them back to even at 2-2.