Mahanoy Area hasn't had much luck against Pine Grove recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Golden Bears will be playing in front of their home fans against the Cardinals at 4:00 p.m. Mahanoy Area has given up an average of 9.7 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Mahanoy Area is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They put the hurt on Our Lady of Lourdes Regional with a sharp 28-12 win on Tuesday. The victory was some much needed relief for the Golden Bears as it spelled an end to their five-game losing streak.
Lilly Carl
| 04/29/25 @ Our Lady of Lourdes Regional | 5 |
| 04/28/25 vs Marian Catholic | 4 |
| 03/21/25 @ Shenandoah Valley | 4 |
| 03/19/25 vs Nativity BVM | 4 |
| 04/15/25 vs Pottsville | 1 |
Lilly Carl was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She tossed six innings while giving up three earned (and four unearned) runs off seven hits. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in strikeouts (five). She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-6 with three runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, Naomi Kowalick was incredible, going 4-for-7 with one home run, nine RBI, and four runs. Those nine RBI gave her a new career-high. Ella Brode was another key player, getting on base in six of her seven plate appearances with four runs, two RBI, and one double.
Meanwhile, Pine Grove faced North Schuylkill in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Tuesday. The Cardinals fell just short of the Spartans by a score of 2-0. The matchup marked the first time this year in which the Cardinals were not able to get on the board.
Pine Grove saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Madison Shiffer, who went 1-for-3 with one double.
Pine Grove moved to 15-2 with that defeat, which also ended their ten-game winning streak. As for Mahanoy Area, their win bumped their record up to 5-8.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Mahanoy Area has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Pine Grove struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Mahanoy Area suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Pine Grove in their previous matchup on April 14th. Will the Golden Bears have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
