Softball Game Preview: Newark Wildcats vs. Licking Heights Hornets

The Newark Wildcats will face off against the Licking Heights Hornets at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Newark has given up an average of 11.4 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Newark lost 12-2 to Teays Valley on Thursday. The Wildcats have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Mallory Back was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Licking Heights). They blew past Zanesville 18-1 on Friday. With that victory, the Hornets brought their scoring average up to 7 runs per game.

Natalie Mahoney was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 12 batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring three runs while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances. Those three runs gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Savanna Christ was a standout: she got on base in three of her four plate appearances with three runs and one triple. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Lydia Rauch, who scored three runs while going 3-for-4.

Licking Heights kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Zanesville only managed one hit.

Newark's loss dropped their record down to 2-7. As for Licking Heights, their win bumped their record up to 4-5.