The Panther Valley Panthers will head out on the road to challenge the North Schuylkill Spartans at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Panther Valley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.1 runs per game this season.
Panther Valley will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Thursday, then bounced right back against Executive Education Academy Charter School on Monday. The Panthers' pitcher stepped up to hand the Raptors a 15-0 shutout. Considering the Panthers have won six matchups by more than nine runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Janessa Prudente was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Prudente was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with two runs.
In other batting news, Kyla McQuillen was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run. That's the most hits she has posted since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Morgan O'Brien, who went 1-for-3 with one triple, two RBI, and one run.
Panther Valley always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .679. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, North Schuylkill hadn't done well against Blue Mountain recently (they were 0-9 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Spartans sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 3-1 victory over the Eagles. The win was nothing new for the Spartans as they're now sitting on four straight.
Like Panther Valley, North Schuylkill also got a great game from a two-way player: Brigid Flynn. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out seven over seven innings pitched. Flynn has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base and one run. That stolen base marked the first that she has snagged this season.
Flynn wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Monica Selgrade, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
North Schuylkill's record now sits at 6-1. As for Panther Valley, they now have a winning record of 6-5.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Panther Valley hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .389. However, it's not like North Schuylkill struggles in that department as they've averaged .387. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Panther Valley might still be hurting after the 18-0 loss they got from North Schuylkill when the teams last played on April 1st. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
