Softball Game Preview: O'Connell Buccaneers vs. Alpha Omega Academy Lions

O'Connell is 0-4 against Alpha Omega Academy since April of 2022 but things could change on Friday. The Buccaneers will welcome the Lions at 5:00 p.m. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

O'Connell barely beat Legacy Christian Academy the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Buccaneers' pitcher stepped up to hand the Warriors a 15-0 shutout on Thursday. Considering the Buccaneers have won four contests by more than 14 runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.

Izzie Bertsch

Runs (Career)

04/16/26 vs Legacy Christian Academy	3
03/05/26 @ Bay Area Christian	1
04/15/25 vs Second Baptist University-Model	1
04/11/25 vs Alpha Omega Academy	1
04/10/25 @ Covenant Christian	1

Izzie Bertsch made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and not a single walk). Bertsch was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with three runs and one stolen base. Those three runs gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Isabella Powell was incredible, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with one home run, two stolen bases, and three runs. Another player making a difference was Izzy McNally, who got on base in all three of her plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and three RBI.

O'Connell always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .739. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Meanwhile, Alpha Omega Academy entered their tilt with The Covenant Preparatory School on Tuesday with two consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with three. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 7-5 victory over the Knights.

O'Connell's win bumped their record up to 5-2. As for Alpha Omega Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 9-4.

O'Connell might still be hurting after the 14-3 loss they got from Alpha Omega Academy in their previous matchup back in April of 2025. Can the Buccaneers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.