Softball Game Preview: North Star Cougars vs. Berlin Brothersvalley Mountaineers

North Star is 2-7 against Berlin Brothersvalley since May of 2015 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Cougars are taking a road trip to square off against the Mountaineers at 4:00 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.

Berlin Brothersvalley will challenge a team with plenty of momentum: North Star extended their winning streak to three on Tuesday. The Cougars put the hurt on Blacklick Valley with a sharp 25-7 victory.

Laiken Grove

Earned Runs

04/01/25 @ Blacklick Valley	0
03/27/25 vs Williamsburg	1
03/25/25 vs McConnellsburg	1

Laiken Grove was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off six hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one earned run any time she's pitched this season. She was even better at the plate, scoring four runs and stealing three bases while going 4-for-5.

In other batting news, Morgan Snyder was a standout: she went a perfect 5-for-5 with six RBI, four runs, and two stolen bases. Snyder is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's snagged at least one every time she's taken the field this season. Sara Rhoads was another key player, getting on base in five of her seven plate appearances with five RBI, three runs, and one double.

North Star kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 26 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits every time they've taken the field this season.

Meanwhile, Berlin Brothersvalley never let their opponents score on Wednesday. They blew past Fort Hill 15-0. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Mountaineers.

North Star's record is now 3-0. As for Berlin Brothersvalley, their record now sits at 2-0.

North Star suffered a grim 19-1 defeat to Berlin Brothersvalley when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Can the Cougars avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.