Softball Game Preview: Utica Chieftains vs. Adams Highlanders

The Utica Chieftains will head out on the road to take on the Adams Highlanders at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Utica is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.7 runs per game this season.

On Thursday, Utica was able to grind out a solid win over Fraser, taking the game 7-3. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Chieftains.

Violet Smith

Batters Struck Out

04/24/25 @ Fraser	11
04/22/25 vs L'Anse Creuse North	10
04/21/25 vs Utica Ford	7
04/18/25 vs Lakeview	6
04/17/25 @ Marysville	13
+ 3 more games

Violet Smith spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and two unearned) runs on five hits and racked up 11 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in eight consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Rachel Durecki was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one double. Ava Brunning was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and one double.

Meanwhile, Adams suffered their biggest loss since May 21, 2024 on Wednesday. They lost 11-4 to Seaholm.

Utica now has a winning record of 5-4. As for Adams, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-4 record this season.

Utica beat Adams 8-4 in their previous meeting last Monday. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Chieftains since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.