The Wesley Chapel Wildcats will head out on the road to challenge the Berkeley Prep Buccaneers at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Wesley Chapel lost a heartbreaker the last time they played Academy at the Lakes, but it's fair to say they got their revenge given the result of Wednesday's match. Wesley Chapel blew past Academy at the Lakes 24-8 on Wednesday. That 16 run margin sets a new team best for Wesley Chapel this season.
Bailey Garrison was incredible, firing off two home runs, three runs, and four RBI while going 2-for-3. Those home runs marked the first that she launched this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Kali Manco, who went 1-for-2 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI.
Wesley Chapel always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .605. The last time their OBP was this high was back in March of 2024.
For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Berkeley Prep and The First Academy meet (four straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Saturday. Berkeley Prep had just enough and edged out The First Academy 3-1. The Buccaneers haven't had any issues with the Royals recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive victory against them.
Avery Powers spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on five hits and racked up ten Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one walk in five consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Claire Patchen, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Mackenzie Crerand, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4.
Berkeley Prep's record is now 4-2. As for Wesley Chapel, they now have a winning record of 4-3.
Berkeley Prep's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Wesley Chapel hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .398. It's a different story for Berkeley Prep, though, as they've only averaged .257. Will they be able to contain Wesley Chapel's hitters?
Wesley Chapel might still be hurting after the 11-0 loss they got from Berkeley Prep in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can Wesley Chapel avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
