Softball Recap: Indian Hills' Loss Ends Six-Game Winning Streak at Home

Indian Hills dropped their record down to 9-3 on Wednesday, which also ended the team's six-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season. They lost 11-1 to the Immaculate Heart Academy Blue Eagles. The pitching woes were uncharacteristic for the Braves, who until this game were averaging 3.83 runs allowed.

As for Immaculate Heart Academy, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 10-1-1. Considering they have won six contests by more than six runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.

For Immaculate Heart Academy's part, Olivia Gilligan looked comfortable as she pitched 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Gilligan has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two hits any time she's pitched this season.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Leah English, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, five RBI, and two runs. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in May of 2024. Gabby Shadek was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with two RBI and one double.

Indian Hills and Immaculate Heart Academy should be looking forward to their upcoming games as both have a sizable advantage in the MaxPreps New Jersey Rankings. The Braves will challenge River Dell at 4:15 p.m. on Friday with a big rank advantage (29 vs. 100). Meanwhile, Immaculate Heart Academy (ranked fifth) will meet Pascack Valley (ranked 52nd) at 4:15 p.m. on Friday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (the Blue Eagles 3.1, the Panthers 2.3) so any runs scored will be well earned.