Hanover Area hasn't had much luck against Wyoming Area recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Hawkeyes will venture away from home to face off against the Warriors at 4:45 p.m. Hanover Area has given up an average of 11.4 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
On Tuesday, Hanover Area came up short against Berwick and fell 15-11. The Hawkeyes have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Madison Ponko was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-5 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Ava Malcarne also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.
Meanwhile, Wyoming Area won against Dunmore on Saturday with 13 runs and they decided to stick to that run total again on Tuesday. The Warriors didn't even let Wyoming Valley West on the board, marking the Warriors' second-straight 13-0 shutout. The Warriors haven't had any issues with the Spartans recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Alexa Gasek made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out eight over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one walk any time she's pitched this season. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with five RBI and three doubles. Those three doubles gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Josie Kivak and Addison Gaylord did most of the damage at the plate: Kivak scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances, while Gaylord scored a run while going 2-for-4. Kivak continues to improve, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played. Another player making a difference was Kaia Brown, who scored two runs while going 1-for-3.
Wyoming Area 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 three consecutive matchups.
Wyoming Area's record is now 3-1. As for Hanover Area, their loss dropped their record down to 2-5.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Hanover Area hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .455. However, it's not like Wyoming Area struggles in that department as they've averaged .321. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hanover Area might still be hurting after the 16-0 defeat they got from Wyoming Area in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Hawkeyes avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
