Softball Game Preview: Wheeling Central Catholic Maroon Knights vs. Monroe Central Seminoles

The Wheeling Central Catholic Maroon Knights are taking a road trip to take on the Monroe Central Seminoles at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Wheeling Central Catholic's pitching crew has only allowed 1.9 runs per game this season, so Monroe Central's hitters will have their work cut out for them.

Wheeling Central Catholic had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the nine-run drubbing they dealt Toronto on Wednesday. The Maroon Knights never let the Red Knights get on the board and left with a 9-0 win. The victory continues a trend for the Maroon Knights in their matchups with the Red Knights: they've now won four in a row.

Meanwhile, Monroe Central beat Magnolia 6-1 on Tuesday.

Karlie Haslam was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 13 batters over 11 innings while giving up just one earned run off eight hits. Those hits marked the first that she allowed this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-6 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one double.

In other batting news, Jadyn Miller was excellent, scoring a run while going 2-for-5. Another player making a difference was Jauna McElroy, who went 2-for-6 with one double and one RBI.

The win got Monroe Central back to even at 3-3. As for Wheeling Central Catholic, their record now sits at 5-2.

Wheeling Central Catholic took their victory against Monroe Central in their previous meeting back in April of 2023 by a conclusive 8-0 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Maroon Knights since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.