The Walled Lake Western Warriors will square off against the Lakeland Eagles at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Walled Lake Western has given up an average of 10.9 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Walled Lake Western is headed into Thursday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Tuesday. They lost 19-3 to South Lyon East.
Walled Lake Western saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Sydney Dean, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Lakeland made easy work of Mott on Monday and carried off a 14-3 win. Considering the Eagles have won 12 contests by more than six runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Meredith Peterson looked comfortable as she pitched four innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up a single walk in 11 consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Lakeland let Maddie Miles and Aubrey VanGoethem run wild. Miles went 1-for-2 with one home run, while VanGoethem went a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. That's the most RBI VanGoethem has posted over her last 12 games. Izzy Bedini was another key player, getting on base in both of her plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
Lakeland was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .524. They are 13-3 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Lakeland pushed their record up to 16-8 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.7 runs on average over those games. As for Walled Lake Western, their loss dropped their record down to 6-15.
Thursday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Walled Lake Western hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .360. However, it's not like Lakeland struggles in that department as they've averaged .412. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Walled Lake Western suffered a grim 14-4 defeat to Lakeland in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Will the Warriors 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.
