Softball Recap: GRACE Christian Finds Playoff Glory Versus John Paul II Catholic

Eagles

Margin (Wins)

04/08/25 @ Fayetteville Christian	22
03/13/25 @ Cary Academy	17
05/06/25 vs Arendell Parrott Academy	15
03/11/25 vs Ravenscroft	15
03/06/25 vs Thales Academy Rolesville	15

With a playoff win on the line, GRACE Christian rose to the challenge on Thursday. They blew past the John Paul II Catholic Saints 12-3. The Eagles might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 13 matchups by seven runs or more this season.

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

At the plate, Audrey Lester was incredible, going 4-for-5 with one home run, five RBI, and two runs. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Ellie McDowell, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with two runs, two RBI, and one double.

They weren't the only ones making solid contact: GRACE Christian kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 11 hits in eight consecutive contests.

GRACE Christian pushed their record up to 15-2 with the victory, which was their fifth straight on the road. The road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.6 runs over those games. As for John Paul II Catholic, with the loss, they broke their three-game winning streak and moved their record to 13-9-1.

As of now, neither GRACE Christian nor the Saints have any future games scheduled.