The Kennedy Cougars will head out on the road to face off against the Union Mine Diamondbacks at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Kennedy is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They blew past Grant 22-0 on Thursday. The victory continues a trend for the Cougars in their matchups with the Pacers: they've now won nine in a row.
Alyssa Vallery and Kaylena Ogle made a splash no matter where they played. On the mound, Vallery pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Ogle struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 12 consecutive appearances. At bat, Vallery scored two runs and stole two bases while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances, while Ogle scored two runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-4. That's the most hits Ogle has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Kira Griffin was a standout: she got on base in all five of her plate appearances with one home run, two stolen bases, and five RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Malaiyah Fujinaga?starks, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three stolen bases, three runs, and four RBI.
Kennedy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .769. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Union Mine, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Thursday. They had just enough and edged out Galt 8-7 on Friday.
Kaylee Henkel was a major factor no matter where she played. She pitched 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Henkel was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-4.
In other batting news, Ruby Luce was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 3-for-4. Jillian Niles was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one stolen base and two RBI.
Kennedy's record is now 6-9. As for Union Mine, their record now sits at 3-7.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Kennedy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Union Mine struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.6 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
