Softball Game Preview: West Mecklenburg Hawks vs. Hough Huskies

West Mecklenburg is 0-7 against Hough since March of 2022 but things could change on Thursday. The Hawks will welcome the Huskies at 5:30 p.m. West Mecklenburg has given up an average of 14.9 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

West Mecklenburg is headed into Thursday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 11th straight game dating back to last season on Tuesday. They lost 17-0 to West Charlotte.

Meanwhile, Hough came tearing into Wednesday's match with nine straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10.7 runs), and they left with even more momentum. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Cougars a 17-0 shutout. The result was nothing new for the Huskies, who have now won 11 games by 11 runs or more so far this season.

Aubrey Martin was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and only one walk). She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 1-for-1.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Olivia Bechtel, who scored two runs while going 2-for-2. Ashlyn Rogers was another key player, scoring two runs while going 1-for-2.

Hough pushed their record up to 16-2 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.0 runs over those games. As for West Mecklenburg, their loss dropped their record down to 0-9.

West Mecklenburg might still be hurting after the 19-0 defeat they got from Hough in their previous matchup back in March. Will the Hawks have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.