Western Wayne hasn't had much luck against Holy Cross recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Wildcats will be playing in front of their home fans against the Crusaders at 4:30 p.m. Western Wayne has given up an average of 8.5 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Wednesday just wasn't the day for Western Wayne's offense. They came up short against Mid Valley on Wednesday, falling 15-0. The matchup marked the first time this year in which the Wildcats were not able to get on the board.
Western Wayne saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Sophia Ochlan, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base.
Meanwhile, Holy Cross entered their tilt with Hazleton Area on Thursday with six consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with seven. They blew past the Cougars 16-7. Considering the Crusaders have won 13 contests by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
AVA SCHMIDT was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and four unearned) runs off nine hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 12 consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, going 4-for-5 with three runs, three doubles, and three RBI. Those three doubles gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, CLAIRE HELRING was incredible, going 3-for-5 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Those three hits gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of MEGAN HASSAJ, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one double.
Holy Cross kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 19 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in seven consecutive games.
Holy Cross' win was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 14-1. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.6 runs over those games. As for Western Wayne, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 4-9.
Friday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Western Wayne hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .333. However, it's not like Holy Cross struggles in that department as they've averaged .426. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Western Wayne suffered a grim 9-1 defeat to Holy Cross when the teams last played back in April. Will the Wildcats have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
