Softball Recap: Manchester Township Comes Up Short

Manchester Township extended their losing streak to three on Thursday, dropping their season record down to 3-11 in the process. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 9-8 heartbreaker at the hands of the Lacey Township Lions. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Lions this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 6-4 back in April.

Briana Leon and Emily Franolich did some serious damage despite the final result: Leon went 2-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI, while Franolich got on base in two of her four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base. Annabelle Gray was another key player, going 1-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double.

As for Lacey Township, they have been performing well recently as they've won six of their last eight matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-7 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 6.4 runs over those games.

On Lacey Township's side, the team relied heavily on Sam Kohout, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. Those three runs gave Kohout a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Sophia Capone, who went 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBI.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Manchester Township will square off against Pinelands Regional at 3:45 p.m. on Monday. The Wildcats will roll in looking for their fourth straight victory, something the Hawks surely won't give up without a fight. As for Lacey Township, they will face off against Rumson-Fair Haven at 4:00 p.m. on Friday.