Paul VI is 0-10 against Bishop O'Connell since April of 2019 but things could change on Thursday. The Panthers will take on the Knights at 5:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Paul VI is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Monday. They put the hurt on Potomac School with a sharp 8-1 victory.
Giovanna Gottfried
| 05/12/25 vs Potomac School | 13 |
| 05/08/25 @ Bishop O'Connell | 5 |
| 05/06/25 @ St. John's | 11 |
| 05/01/25 vs Flint Hill | 8 |
| 04/29/25 @ Bishop O'Connell | 2 |
| + 6 more games |
Giovanna Gottfried made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 13 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off five hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one double.
In other batting news, Maria Dozier was incredible, going 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Ashley Robinson, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, two doubles, and one RBI.
Paul VI hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Potomac School struck out 12 times.
Meanwhile, Bishop O'Connell strolled into their game on Monday with a perfect record and they left with the same. They never let Saint Gertrude get on the board and left with a 15-0 win.
The team relied heavily on Abby Bond, who fired off two home runs, eight RBI, and three runs while going 4-for-4. The team also got some help courtesy of MJ Melvin, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with four runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Bishop O'Connell pushed their record up to 18-0 with the victory, which was their 18th straight at home dating back to last season. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they've averaged 11.8 runs this season. As for Paul VI, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 15-12 record this season.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Paul VI has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 10.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Bishop O'Connell struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Paul VI might still be hurting after the 8-0 loss they got from Bishop O'Connell in their previous matchup on Thursday. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
