Union Academy is 8-2 against Gray Stone Day since April of 2017 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. Union Academy will host Gray Stone Day at 6:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Union Academy is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of North Carolina's top teams: Marvin Ridge, who was ranked 12th at the time (Union Academy was ranked third). Union Academy blew past Marvin Ridge 12-5 on Wednesday. The Cardinals' win was nothing new given the team hasn't lost yet this season.
Avery Wilson
| 03/26/25 vs Marvin Ridge | 9 |
| 03/21/25 @ North Stanly | 8 |
| 03/18/25 vs North Stanly | 14 |
| 03/14/25 @ Anson | 8 |
| 03/11/25 vs Uwharrie Charter Academy | 10 |
| + 6 more games |
Avery Wilson made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with two RBI.
In other batting news, Keira Farmer was a standout: she scored three runs while going 4-for-5. Those four hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Paige Quinn, who scored three runs while going 1-for-4.
Union Academy kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Gray Stone Day had to endure a five-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They were the clear victors by a 19-2 margin over North Hills Christian on Thursday. The high-scoring effort was just what the Knights needed considering they were shut out in their previous contest.
Like Union Academy, Gray Stone Day also got a great game from a two-way player: Lindsey Stirewalt. On the mound, she pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Stirewalt was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.
In other batting news, Gray Stone Day let London Gray and Reagan Bradshaw run wild. Gray went 2-for-3 with three runs and four RBI, while Bradshaw scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Those runs marked the first that Gray scored this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Lynley Pittman, who scored two runs while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances.
Union Academy's victory was their tenth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 13-0.the team's perfect season has a lot to do with their hitting performance: the team won's by an average of 9.5 runs thus far As for Gray Stone Day, their win bumped their record up to 3-5.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Union Academy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .441. However, it's not like Gray Stone Day struggles in that department as they've averaged .379. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Union Academy took their victory against Gray Stone Day in their previous matchup on Tuesday by a conclusive 10-0. Does Union Academy have another victory up their sleeve, or will Gray Stone Day turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
