The Sheboygan North Golden Raiders will face off against the Notre Dame Academy Tritons at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Sheboygan North has given up an average of 11.5 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Monday just wasn't the day for Sheboygan North's offense. They lost 15-0 to Pulaski on Monday. Having soared to a lofty 18 runs in the game before, the Golden Raiders' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Notre Dame Academy came out on top against Manitowoc Lincoln on Monday thanks in part to the team's impressive eight-run first inning. The Tritons blew past the Ships 11-1. The result was nothing new for the Tritons, who have now won nine contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Ella Nowak made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. Nowak was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one run. That's the most hits she has posted over her last 11 games.
In other batting news, Olivia Waldrop was a standout: she went 1-for-2 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played. Emma Jahner was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
Notre Dame Academy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .542. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Notre Dame Academy's victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 10-12. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.3 runs on average over those games. As for Sheboygan North, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-15.
Thursday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Sheboygan North hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .353. However, it's not like Notre Dame Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .324. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Sheboygan North suffered a grim 15-0 defeat to Notre Dame Academy when the teams last played back in April. Will the Golden Raiders 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.
