The Western Branch Bruins are taking a road trip to square off against the Great Bridge Wildcats at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Western Branch's pitching crew heads into the match hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by a 10-0 margin over Lakeland. The win was familiar territory for the Bruins, who have now won three contests in a row.
Ava Giacometti looked comfortable as she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out eight over four innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in May of 2024.
Marissa Bernheimer
| 04/22/25 vs Lakeland | 2 |
| 04/10/25 vs Isle of Wight Academy | 1 |
| 03/27/25 @ Deep Creek | 1 |
| 03/24/25 vs Bayside | 1 |
| 03/20/25 vs Nansemond River | 1 |
On the hitting side, Marissa Bernheimer and Maddie Lemasters did most of the damage at the plate: Bernheimer fired off two home runs, three runs, and three RBI while going 3-for-3, while Lemasters went 3-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Those two home runs gave Bernheimer a new career-high. Lilly Creef also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Western Branch was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .424. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .419 or higher in three consecutive games.
Great Bridge came out on top against Nansemond River on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive six-run fifth inning. The Wildcats put the hurt on the Warriors with a sharp 11-1 victory. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Wildcats.
Bailey Bliven tossed a big game, striking out six batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Hannah Ferrell was incredible, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. Another player making a difference was Cassie Kleier, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with three runs, one double, and one RBI.
Western Branch's win was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 8-1. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.6 runs over those games. As for Great Bridge, their record now sits at 7-2.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Western Branch has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .500. However, it's not like Great Bridge struggles in that department as they've averaged .446. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Western Branch beat Great Bridge 4-0 when the teams last played back in April of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Bruins since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
