Softball Game Preview: Bethlehem Catholic Hawks vs. Liberty Hurricanes

Bethlehem Catholic is 8-2 against Liberty since May of 2016 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Wednesday. The Hawks will host the Hurricanes at 4:00 p.m. The two teams are strolling into their matches after big wins in their previous games.

Bethlehem Catholic had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the six-run drubbing they dealt Notre Dame-Green Pond on Tuesday. The Hawks blew past the Crusaders 11-5. The Hawks haven't had any issues with the Crusaders recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive victory against them.

Madison Bixler made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up five earned runs off eight hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with three runs and one double. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March.

Sarah Banko

Runs Batted In (Career)

04/22/25 @ Notre Dame-Green Pond	4
04/15/25 @ Emmaus	3
03/20/25 @ William Allen	2
04/17/25 vs Stroudsburg	1
03/28/25 vs Nazareth Area	1

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Sarah Banko, who went 2-for-5 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Mikaila Brooks, who went 2-for-3 with one home run and three RBI.

Bethlehem Catholic was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .394. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Notre Dame-Green Pond only posted a batting average of .259.

Meanwhile, Liberty entered their tilt with Easton Area on Tuesday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They put the hurt on the Rovers with a sharp 9-2 win. Considering the Hurricanes have won four games by more than six runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

Bethlehem Catholic's victory bumped their record up to 4-9. As for Liberty, their win bumped their record up to 6-2.

Bethlehem Catholic might still be hurting after the 8-0 loss they got from Liberty in their previous meeting back in March. Will the Hawks have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.