The Norwayne Bobcats will challenge the Columbia Raiders at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
On Wednesday, Norwayne got the win against Smithville by a conclusive 15-8. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Bobcats.
Abby Workman
| 04/23/25 vs Smithville | 3 |
| 04/22/25 @ Smithville | 2 |
| 04/15/25 @ Chippewa | 2 |
| 04/07/25 vs Northwestern | 2 |
| 04/01/25 @ Waynedale | 2 |
Abby Workman was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed 3.2 innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. Workman was also big at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two doubles and one RBI. Those three hits gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Riley Gwinn was a standout: she went 2-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and one triple. That triple marked the first that she has hit this season. Makenna Heyden was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
Norwayne always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .541. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Smithville only posted an OBP of .333.
Meanwhile, Columbia made easy work of Clearview on Thursday and carried off a 16-1 victory. The win continues a trend for the Raiders in their matchups with the Clippers: they've now won three in a row.
Like Norwayne, Columbia also got a great game from a two-way player: Sadie Schulke. She struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. Schulke was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with one triple, one stolen base, and one run.
In other batting news, Columbia got a massive performance out of Kaitlyn Miller, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs, two stolen bases, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Bree Heidecker, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, five RBI, and two runs.
Norwayne's victory was their ninth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 11-2. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.1 runs over those games. As for Columbia, their record is now 10-4.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Norwayne has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .551. However, it's not like Columbia struggles in that department as they've averaged .521. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Norwayne took their victory against Columbia in their previous matchup back in April of 2021 by a conclusive 10-1 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Bobcats since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
