The New Holstein Huskies will take on the Valders Vikings on Thursday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (New Holstein 3.9, Valders 3.7) so any runs scored will be well earned.
New Holstein is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. They came out on top against Kiel by a score of 5-2.
Makayla Meyer made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 17 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs.
In other batting news, Natalie Wagner was excellent, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
Eight must be Valders' lucky number: they beat Wrightstown with that score not once but twice on Tuesday. The Vikings beat the Tigers by the very same score they won with in their prior game: 8-4. The win continues a trend for the Vikings in their matchups with the Tigers: they've now won six in a row.
Like New Holstein, Valders also got a great game from a two-way player: Megan Hochkammer. She struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off seven hits. Hochkammer was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Anna Olson, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Adelyn Massart was another key player, going 2-for-5 with two runs and one double.
New Holstein's victory bumped their record up to 20-7. As for Valders, their win bumped their record up to 14-10.
New Holstein's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's contest. The Huskies have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.5 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Valders, though, as they've been averaging only 0.7 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will New Holstein continue to outrun the ball?
New Holstein beat Valders 5-0 in their previous meeting two weeks ago. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Huskies since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
