Licking Heights hasn't had much luck against Licking Valley recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Hornets will welcome the Panthers at 5:00 p.m. Each of these teams will be battling to keep a five-game winning streak alive.
On Wednesday, Licking Heights earned a 10-6 win over Utica.
Lydia Rauch made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed seven innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off six hits. Rauch was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-4. What's more, she posted three RBI, the most she's had since back in May of 2024.
In other batting news, Licking Heights let Alissa West and Lily Meidl run wild. West went 3-for-4 with three runs and one triple, while Meidl scored two runs while going 2-for-4. The team also got some help courtesy of Ava Von Bargen, who scored two runs while going 2-for-4.
Licking Heights 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 eight hits in nine consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, Licking Valley got themselves on the board against Zanesville on Monday, but Zanesville never followed suit. They blew past the Blue Devils 12-0. The result was nothing new for the Panthers, who have now won four contests by nine runs or more so far this season.
Tori Baughman was a major factor no matter where she played. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. Baughman was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base and one double. That double was her first of the season.
In other batting news, D'Neya Dennis was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing three bases while going 3-for-3. She also hit two doubles, marking her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Emory Whisner, who went 2-for-3 with two triples, two runs, and two RBI.
Licking Valley's victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 5-2. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.0 runs over those games. As for Licking Heights, their victory bumped their record up to 8-5.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Licking Heights hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .327. However, it's not like Licking Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .333. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Licking Heights' way against Licking Valley in their previous meeting back in April of 2024, as Licking Heights made off with a 9-2 win. Do the Hornets have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Panthers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
