Softball Game Preview: Maiden Blue Devils vs. Hickory Tornadoes

The Maiden Blue Devils will square off against the Hickory Tornadoes at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Hickory took a loss in their last contest and will be looking to turn the tables on Maiden, who comes in off a win.

On Thursday, Maiden made easy work of Patton and carried off a 9-2 win. The Blue Devils might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five matchups by seven runs or more this season.

Raegan Rembert

Base on Balls Against

04/16/26 vs Patton	1
04/14/26 @ West Iredell	1
04/02/26 vs Bunker Hill	1
04/01/26 @ St. Stephens	1
03/31/26 vs North Lincoln	1
03/26/26 @ Newton-Conover	2

Raegan Rembert made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out 15 over seven innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one run and one double.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Emme Tomblin, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2025. Maddy Clontz was another key player, going 1-for-2 with three RBI.

Maiden was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .481. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

Meanwhile, Hickory fell victim to Foard and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They came up short against the Tigers, falling 10-0. The game marked the first time this season in which the Tornadoes were not able to get on the board.

Hickory's loss was their third straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 5-9. As for Maiden, their victory ended a four-game drought at home and bumped them up to 7-8.

Maiden beat Hickory 12-9 in their previous meeting back in March. Will the Blue Devils repeat their success, or do the Tornadoes have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.