Softball Game Preview: Washington Academy Raiders vs. Orono Riots

Washington Academy is 2-8 against Orono since April of 2021 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Raiders will challenge the Riots. Orono took a loss in their last game and will be looking to turn the tables on Washington Academy, who comes in off a win.

Washington Academy headed into their last contest having not scored more than two runs for five straight, but Calais let them put that streak behind them. The Raiders never let the Blue Devils get on the board and left with a 16-0 win on Wednesday. The Raiders haven't had any issues with the Blue Devils recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.

Bella Cirone

Batters Struck Out

06/04/25 vs Calais	8
06/02/25 vs Bucksport	12
05/29/25 @ Bucksport	13
05/27/25 @ Orono	15
05/22/25 vs Narraguagus	15
+ 9 more games

Bella Cirone made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs and two RBI.

In other batting news, Lilyana Balyint was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and one double. Those three hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Lily Hennessey, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs.

Washington Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .586. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Calais only posted an OBP of .111.

Meanwhile, Orono came up short against Dexter on Thursday and fell 8-3. The Riots have struggled against the Tigers recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost meeting.

Washington Academy's win bumped their record up to 10-5. As for Orono, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-7.