Neuse Christian Academy hasn't had much luck against Thales Academy Rolesville recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Lions will look to defend their home field against the Knights at 4:30 p.m. Neuse Christian Academy is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.8 runs per game this season.
Neuse Christian Academy took a 21-run defeat the last time they faced off against Wake Christian Academy, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Lions had just enough and edged out the Bulldogs 9-8 on Thursday. The victory was nothing new for the Lions as they're now sitting on three straight.
Baylie Vannatta
| 04/24/25 vs Wake Christian Academy | 2 |
| 04/22/25 @ Varsity Opponent | 1 |
| 04/16/25 @ Thales Academy Apex | 1 |
Neuse Christian Academy got a massive performance out of Baylie Vannatta, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. Vannatta has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times she's played. Another player making a difference was Morgan Little, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two stolen bases, three RBI, and one run.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Neuse Christian Academy kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That's a new trend for them: they were averaging 5.2 hits per game earlier this season, but in their last 15 games they've averaged 8.8.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Thales Academy Rolesville). Everything went their way against Thales Academy Apex on Thursday as they made off with a 26-11 win. The high-scoring effort was just what the Knights needed considering they were shut out in their previous contest.
Abigail Grimm spent all four innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and eight unearned) runs on three hits.
At the plate, Ava Fortlage was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs, five RBI, and two doubles. Those four runs gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Annabelle Macdonald, who went 2-for-5 with three stolen bases, three runs, and four RBI.
Neuse Christian Academy's victory bumped their record up to 4-8-1. As for Thales Academy Rolesville, with the win, they broke their three-game losing streak and moved their record to 4-7.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Neuse Christian Academy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.5 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Thales Academy Rolesville struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Neuse Christian Academy might still be hurting after the 15-0 loss they got from Thales Academy Rolesville in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Lions avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
