Catholic Central is 0-8 against Fairbanks since April of 2017 but things could change on Friday. The Irish will challenge the Panthers at 6:00 p.m. Catholic Central has given up an average of 18 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Catholic Central is headed into Friday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 28th straight game dating back to last season on Thursday. They came up short against Cedarville, falling 20-2. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since March 27, 2023, but that streak is no more.
Meanwhile, Fairbanks waltzed into their matchup on Thursday with four straight wins... but they left with five. They were the clear victors by a 17-1 margin over the Golden Eagles. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 16 contests by six runs or more this season.
Macy Kise made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out six over seven innings pitched. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with one double and one RBI.
In other batting news, Fairbanks got a massive performance out of Jenna Dee, who went 3-for-5 with three doubles, four RBI, and two runs. Those three doubles gave Dee a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Claire Meihls, who went a perfect 5-for-5 with three RBI, one run, and one double.
Fairbanks hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their strikeout total in four consecutive games.
Fairbanks' win was their 14th straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 20-2. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.7 runs over those games. As for Catholic Central, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-15.
Catholic Central might still be hurting after the 20-2 loss they got from Fairbanks in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Irish avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
