Softball Game Preview: Western Harnett Eagles vs. Union Pines Vikings

Western Harnett has won four straight games at home, while Union Pines has won four straight on the road, but those streaks won't matter much on Thursday. Western Harnett will host Union Pines at 6:30 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the two teams will really light up the scoreboard.

Last Tuesday, Western Harnett got the win against Overhills by a conclusive 10-2. The win continues a trend for the Eagles in their matchups with the Jaguars: they've now won eight in a row.

Morgan McAuley

Batters Struck Out (Career)

03/25/25 vs Overhills	13
03/12/24 vs Pine Forest	10
03/15/24 @ Pine Forest	8
03/18/25 @ Westover	7
05/07/24 @ Vance County	7

Morgan McAuley made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out 13 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off seven hits (and only one walk). Those 13 strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 1-for-4.

In other batting news, Western Harnett let Ava Corley and Audrina Gibson run wild. Corley scored a run while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances, while Gibson scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. Ryley Brewer was another key player, scoring two runs while going 3-for-4.

Western Harnett was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .406. They are 2-1 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

Meanwhile, Union Pines earned a 10-5 victory over Lee County on Wednesday.

Trinity Whitt was a standout: she scored two runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-4. The team also got some help courtesy of Madison Stein, who scored a run and stole three bases while going 2-for-4.

Union Pines' win bumped their record up to 8-5. As for Western Harnett, the victory got them back to even at 5-5.

Thursday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Western Harnett has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .475. However, it's not like Union Pines struggles in that department as they've averaged .445. 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.