Laurel Highlands is 0-8 against Elizabeth Forward since April of 2021 but things could change on Monday. The Mustangs will head out on the road to face off against the Warriors at 4:15 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Last Wednesday, Laurel Highlands made easy work of Oakland Catholic and carried off a 10-2 win. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Mustangs.
Izzy Coleman spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on eight hits and racked up seven Ks.
On the hitting side, Kayla Howell was incredible, firing off two home runs and six RBI while going 2-for-2. Those two home runs gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Chloe Komacko, who scored three runs while going 3-for-4.
Laurel Highlands was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .536. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .310 or higher in four consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Forward waltzed into their game on Wednesday with two straight wins... but they left with three. Their pitchers stepped up to hand the Rams an 11-0 shutout. Considering the Warriors have won four contests by more than nine runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Berlyn Holibaugh and Julia Resnik made a splash no matter where they played. Throwing, Holibaugh pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Resnik pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one hit in three consecutive appearances. At the plate, Holibaugh scored three runs and stole two bases while going 1-for-4, while Resnik scored two runs while going 1-for-3.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Alivia Grimm, who went 1-for-2 with three RBI and one double. That double was her first of the season.
Elizabeth Forward's record now sits at 4-1. As for Laurel Highlands, they now have a winning record of 3-2.
Monday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Laurel Highlands hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .404. However, it's not like Elizabeth Forward struggles in that department as they've averaged .392. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Laurel Highlands might still be hurting after the 15-0 loss they got from Elizabeth Forward in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Mustangs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
