Softball Game Preview: Hazleton Area Cougars vs. Wyoming Valley West Spartans

Hazleton Area is on a five-game streak of home losses, and Wyoming Valley West an eight-game streak of away losses dating back to last season. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Friday. The Hazleton Area Cougars will be playing in front of their home fans against the Wyoming Valley West Spartans at 4:15 p.m. Having both just faced considerable losses, both teams are looking to turn things around.

Hazleton Area lost 16-7 to Holy Cross on Thursday.

Olivia Williams made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Kayla Lagowy, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and one triple.

Meanwhile, Tuesday just wasn't the day for Wyoming Valley West's offense. They came up short against Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, falling 11-0.

Wyoming Valley West's loss dropped their record down to 1-10. As for Hazleton Area, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-9.

Wyoming Valley West's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Hazleton Area hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .317. It's a different story for Wyoming Valley West, though, as they've only averaged .247. Will they be able to contain Hazleton Area's hitters?

Everything went Hazleton Area's way against Wyoming Valley West in their previous meeting back in April, as Hazleton Area made off with an 11-4 victory. Will the Cougars repeat their success, or do the Spartans have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.