Softball Recap: Manchester Takes a Loss

Manchester extended their losing streak to three on Monday, dropping them down to 1-3. They lost 18-8 to the Hardaway Hawks. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Blue Devils have suffered against the Hawks since August 8, 2015.

Addison Painter was cooking despite her team's loss, going 1-for-2 with six stolen bases and two runs. Another player making a difference was Izabella Aguilar, who went 1-for-4 with four stolen bases and two runs.

As for Hardaway, their victory bumped their record up to 1-0. The game was the first time they have beaten Manchester on their field since August 30, 2021.

On Hardaway's side, Naryah Wilson made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out ten batters over 5.1 innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off only two hits. Wilson was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with five stolen bases, four runs, and three RBI.

In other batting news, Hardaway got a massive performance out of Neeraja Thomas, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with six stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most RBI Thomas has posted since back in September of 2024. Shelby Huff was another key player, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with five stolen bases, three runs, and four RBI.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Manchester will face off against Shaw at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. As for Hardaway, they will venture away from home to face off against Calvary Christian at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday. The Knights will roll in looking for their fourth straight win, something the Hawks surely won't give up without a fight.