The Cardinal Newman Crusaders will look to take advantage of their home field for the first time this season as they take on the Forest Hill Falcons at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The timing is sure in Cardinal Newman's favor as the squad sits on eight straight wins at home (dating back to last season) while Forest Hill has been banged up by four consecutive losses on the road also dating back to last season.
Having struggled with three defeats in a row, Cardinal Newman turned things around against Calvary Christian Academy on Monday. Everything went their way against the Eagles as they made off with a 17-5 win. With that victory, the Crusaders brought their scoring average up to 7.8 runs per game.
Maeve Adams made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Adams was also big at the plate, scoring three runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
In other batting news, Reese Khanna was incredible, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with six RBI, three runs, and two doubles. She also hit a triple, marking her first of the season. Sydney Mahoney was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing Three bases. while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
Cardinal Newman always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .659. The last time their OBP was this high was back in March of 2024.
Meanwhile, Forest Hill came up short against Boca Raton on Friday, falling 20-2.
Murphie Ockunzzi was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run and one stolen base. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March of 2024.
Forest Hill's loss dropped their record down to 2-5. As for Cardinal Newman, their win bumped their record up to 2-4.
Friday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Cardinal Newman has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .463. However, it's not like Forest Hill struggles in that department as they've averaged .521. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Cardinal Newman took their victory against Forest Hill when the teams last played back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 10-0. Will Cardinal Newman repeat their success, or does Forest Hill have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
