The Payson Longhorns will face off against the Northwest Christian Crusaders at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Payson is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 11.9 runs per game this season.
Payson gave up the first runs on Tuesday, but they didn't let that get them down. Everything went their way against Benjamin Franklin as Payson made off with a 16-1 victory. Considering the Longhorns have won five matches by more than nine runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Kinikki Smith was a major factor no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out eight over 4.2 innings pitched. Furthermore, she didn't allow a single earned run, the first time she has blanked an opponent since back in February of 2024. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing two bases while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. That run marked the first that she scored this season.
Breezey Morgan
| 03/25/25 @ Benjamin Franklin | 1 |
| 03/19/25 @ San Tan Foothills | 3 |
| 03/18/25 vs Globe | 3 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Breezey Morgan, who scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. She has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times she's played. Another player making a difference was Tatum Weinland, who scored a run while going 2-for-2.
Meanwhile, Northwest Christian lost 14-3 to Bourgade Catholic on Tuesday. The Crusaders have struggled against the Golden Eagles recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost meeting.
Kinsey Unger was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-3. Mia Angus was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and one RBI.
Payson pushed their record up to 6-2 with the win, which was their fifth straight on the road. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 18.4 runs over those games. As for Northwest Christian, their loss was their first in the region, dropping their region record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 7-4.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Payson hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .400. However, it's not like Northwest Christian struggles in that department as they've averaged .410. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
