Apex and Apex Friendship are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2019, but likely not for long. The Cougars will welcome the Patriots at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Apex had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the seven-run drubbing they dealt Green Hope on Tuesday. The Cougars blew past the Falcons 8-1.
Audrey Mulaski
| 04/29/25 @ Green Hope | 8 |
| 04/25/25 vs Middle Creek | 5 |
| 04/24/25 @ Apex Friendship | 5 |
| 04/23/25 vs Green Level | 9 |
| 04/17/25 vs Panther Creek | 9 |
Audrey Mulaski spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on six hits and racked up eight Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Leah Kendall was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, three runs, and two doubles. Libby Austin was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Apex Friendship entered their tilt with Cary on Tuesday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They put the hurt on the Imps with a sharp 18-3 victory. The Patriots' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Riley Weaver was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits. Weaver was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, Hannah Parker and Sydney Joyce did most of the damage at the plate: Parker went 2-for-3 with three RBI, one triple, and one run, while Joyce went 1-for-2 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. That's the most RBI Parker has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Kaylee Marquis, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with three runs.
Apex Friendship always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .690. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Cary only posted an OBP of .417.
Apex Friendship's win was their eighth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 15-3. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.8 runs over those games. As for Apex, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 11-7 record this season.
Apex's speedy runners might be the difference in Wednesday's matchup. The Cougars have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 6.4 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Apex Friendship, though, as they've been averaging only 1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Apex continue to outrun the ball?
Apex suffered a grim 10-1 defeat to Apex Friendship when the teams last played on Thursday. Will the Cougars 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.
