The North Lenoir Hawks will take on the Roanoke Rapids Yellowjackets on Friday. North Lenoir is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 11.6 runs per game this season.
North Lenoir is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. They blew past SouthWest Edgecombe 19-4. The Hawks might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 13 matches by six runs or more this season.
Maddie Rouse
| 05/06/25 vs SouthWest Edgecombe | 7 |
| 05/01/25 vs South Lenoir | 4 |
| 04/29/25 vs James Kenan | 6 |
| 04/17/25 vs East Duplin | 3 |
| 04/15/25 @ East Duplin | 4 |
| + 7 more games |
Maddie Rouse was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over three innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off six hits (and not a single walk). That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in March. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and two doubles. She has been hot recently, having posted three or more RBI the last three times she's played.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Alyssa Hatcher, who went 3-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Allie Reaves, who went 1-for-2 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
North Lenoir hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as SouthWest Edgecombe struck out seven times.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Roanoke Rapids, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Thursday. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Wallace-Rose Hill 2-0.
The result came thanks to Cadence Ball's shutout, as she gave up just two hits and racked up 16 Ks.
On the hitting side, Madelyn Bell was excellent, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs and one stolen base.
Roanoke Rapids pushed their record up to 15-5 with the win, which was their fifth straight at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.8 runs on average over those games. As for North Lenoir, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won eight of their last nine contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 15-3 record this season.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. North Lenoir hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .402. However, it's not like Roanoke Rapids struggles in that department as they've averaged .383. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
