The Emerson Mavericks will challenge the Liberty Redhawks at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Last Monday, Emerson got the win against Centennial by a conclusive 14-2. The Mavericks haven't had any issues with the Titans recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive win against them.
Addison Hudnall made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and not a single walk). What's more, she gave up only zero walks, the fewest she's had since back in February. She was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI and one double.
In other batting news, Emerson got a massive performance out of Ellie Thurman, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. That's the most RBI Thurman has posted since back in April of 2024. Savannah Carleton also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.
Emerson was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .524. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their batting average total in three consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Liberty hadn't done well against Memorial recently (they were 0-9 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Monday. Liberty put the hurt on Memorial with a sharp 19-2 victory. The win was nothing new for the Redhawks as they're now sitting on four straight.
Like Emerson, Liberty also got a great game from a two-way player: Addison Hanson. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 11 batters over 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits (and not a single walk). Hanson has been consistent : she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring three runs while going 1-for-4.
In other batting news, Delila Bond was incredible, going 2-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and one triple. Ainslee Palmer was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-5.
Emerson's record now sits at 10-6. As for Liberty, their record now sits at 8-4.
Monday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Emerson hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .353. However, it's not like Liberty struggles in that department as they've averaged .353. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Emerson beat Liberty 10-6 in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. Does Emerson have another victory up their sleeve, or will Liberty turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
