Malvern hasn't had much luck against Conotton Valley recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Hornets will welcome the Rockets at 5:30 p.m. Malvern has given up an average of 10.7 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Malvern came up short against Claymont on Friday, falling 16-2. That's two games in a row now that the Hornets have lost by exactly 14 runs.
Malvern saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Megan Kuba, who scored a run while going 2-for-3. Skye Harmon also deserves some recognition as she got her first hit of the season.
Meanwhile, Conotton Valley hadn't done well against Steubenville recently (they were 0-3 in their previous three matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Saturday. The Rockets had just enough and edged out the Big Red 4-2.
Ava Williams spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on three hits.
On the hitting side, Brooklyn Kelley was excellent, going 3-for-4 with one triple, one run, and one double. Another player making a difference was Maddison Kelley, who scored two runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
Malvern now has a losing record of 3-4. As for Conotton Valley, their win bumped their record up to 6-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Malvern has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Conotton Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Malvern suffered a grim 12-0 defeat to Conotton Valley in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Will the Hornets have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
