Softball Game Preview: Palmyra Cougars vs. Ephrata Mountaineers

The Palmyra Cougars will head out on the road to square off against the Ephrata Mountaineers at 4:15 p.m. on Monday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the two teams will really light up the scoreboard.

As a matter of fact, Palmyra put up the most points they have all season on Friday. They put the hurt on Cedar Crest with a sharp 15-9 win. The Cougars haven't had any issues with the Falcons recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.

Emalyn Funck was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out eight batters over seven innings while giving up four earned (and five unearned) runs off seven hits. Funck was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-4.

Kate Shenk

Stolen Base (Career)

03/21/25 @ Cedar Crest	3
04/19/24 @ Bishop McDevitt	2
05/14/24 vs Cedar Crest	1
05/02/24 vs Central Dauphin East	1
04/18/24 @ Hershey	1

In other batting news, Kate Shenk was a standout: she scored three runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-4. Those three stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Shay Rutter was another key player, scoring three runs while going 3-for-5.

Palmyra always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .533. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Meanwhile, it may have taken nine innings to finish the job, but Ephrata ultimately got the result they hoped for on Friday. They skirted past Octorara Area 15-14. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Mountaineers have posted since April 10, 2024.

Ephrata let Emma Zimmerman and Kaliana Auchey run wild. Zimmerman went 3-for-5 with five RBI, three runs, and one triple, while Auchey went 4-for-6 with one home run and four runs. The team also got some help courtesy of Aldynne Snyder, who scored a run while getting on base in three of her six plate appearances.

Palmyra's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-3. As for Ephrata, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-2.