Oxford hasn't had much luck against Downingtown East recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Hornets will look to defend their home field against the Cougars at 3:45 p.m. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.
Oxford is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They put the hurt on Tome with a sharp 13-3 win on Tuesday. The high-scoring effort was just what the Hornets needed considering they were shut out in their previous game.
Ericka Ortega
| 04/01/25 vs Tome | 6 |
| 03/31/25 vs Unionville | 8 |
| 03/28/25 vs Avon Grove | 7 |
| 03/19/25 vs Kennett | 7 |
| 03/14/25 vs Solanco | 7 |
Ericka Ortega was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out six over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs, one triple, and two RBI. That triple was her first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Grace Allen, who went 2-for-3 with three runs, one triple, and one double. That double marked the first that she hit this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Liliana Van Zyl, who scored two runs while going 2-for-3.
Oxford kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Tome only managed two hits.
Meanwhile, Downingtown East was not the first on the board last Monday, but they got there more often. They were the clear victors by an 11-3 margin over Henderson. That looming 11-3 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Cougars yet this season.
London Schaefer made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out six batters over seven innings while giving up three earned runs off eight hits (and not a single walk). Schaefer was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with one double.
In other batting news, Sophia Gange was a standout: she went 2-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Madison Baroni was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.
The victory got Downingtown East back to even at 4-4. As for Oxford, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-7.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Oxford hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .328. However, it's not like Downingtown East struggles in that department as they've averaged .316. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Oxford might still be hurting after the 11-1 defeat they got from Downingtown East in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Will the Hornets 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.
