Notre Dame-Green Pond and Palisades are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2019, but likely not for long. The Crusaders will face off against the Pirates at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Notre Dame-Green Pond is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.1 runs per game this season.
On Monday, Notre Dame-Green Pond earned a 7-4 victory over Bangor. The win continues a trend for the Crusaders in their matchups with the Slaters: they've now won four in a row.
Emily Szczepanski
| 04/28/25 vs Bangor | 1 |
| 04/23/25 vs Salisbury Township | 2 |
| 04/16/25 @ Pen Argyl | 1 |
| 04/10/25 @ Palmerton | 1 |
| 04/09/25 vs Northwestern Lehigh | 0 |
Emily Szczepanski spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and two unearned) runs on 13 hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Addison Ryan was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. That's the most runs she has posted since April 2nd. Hannah Lilly was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Notre Dame-Green Pond kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are a perfect 9-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Palisades entered their tilt with Southern Lehigh on Monday with seven consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with eight. They came out on top in a nail-biter against the Spartans, sneaking past 5-3. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Pirates have posted since March 21st.
Palisades also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Karlye Teman gave up just two earned (and one unearned) runs on five hits and racked up 15 Ks.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Catie Russo, who went 3-for-4 with two runs and two doubles. Another player making a difference was Brooklynn Lucas, who went 1-for-3 with one home run.
Palisades' win was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 14-3. The road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.4 runs on average over those games. As for Notre Dame-Green Pond, their record is now 11-5.
Wednesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Notre Dame-Green Pond hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .380. However, it's not like Palisades struggles in that department as they've averaged .420. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Notre Dame-Green Pond couldn't quite finish off Palisades when the teams last played back in May of 2024 and fell 3-1. Can the Crusaders avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
