The Middle Creek Mustangs will square off against the Apex Friendship Patriots at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Having struggled with six losses in a row dating back to last season, Middle Creek turned things around against Green Hope on Monday. They came out on top against the Falcons by a score of 10-5. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last four times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Hailey Hoeft
| 03/10/25 vs Green Hope | 14 |
| 03/06/25 vs Garner | 6 |
| 03/04/25 @ Willow Spring | 1 |
| 02/28/25 @ Fuquay - Varina | 3 |
| 02/25/25 @ Garner | 4 |
Hailey Hoeft was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out 14 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off four hits. With that strong performance, she is now averaging an impressive 5.6 strikeouts per game. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two triples and three RBI. The dominant performance gave her a new career-high in triples.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Kristen Norton, who scored two runs and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-3. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Amy Smith, who scored a run while going 2-for-3.
Middle Creek kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their hit total in three consecutive games.
Meanwhile, it may have taken eight innings to finish the job, but Apex Friendship ultimately got the result they hoped for on Monday. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Holly Springs 4-3. The four-run effort marked the Patriots' lowest-scoring contest of the season, but in the end it didn't matter.
Sydney Joyce spent all eight innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on five hits and racked up nine Ks. She has been consistent : she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season.
At the plate, Kaylee Marquis was incredible, going 3-for-5 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one double. That stolen base marked the first that she snagged this season.
Middle Creek's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-4. As for Apex Friendship, the victory (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 4-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Middle Creek has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Apex Friendship struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Middle Creek might still be hurting after the 9-0 defeat they got from Apex Friendship when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Will Middle Creek 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.
