The DuBois Central Catholic Cardinals will take on the Union Area Scotties on Thursday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (DuBois Central Catholic 3.1, Union Area 0.8) so any runs scored will be well earned.
DuBois Central Catholic is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Monday. They skirted past Juniata Valley 3-2. Winning may never get old, but the Cardinals sure are getting used to it with their third in a row.
Rylee Kulbatsky
| 06/02/25 vs Juniata Valley | 12 |
| 05/26/25 @ Curwensville | 21 |
| 05/23/25 vs Otto-Eldred | 14 |
| 05/16/25 @ Mercer | 14 |
| 05/14/25 @ Moniteau | 17 |
| + 17 more games |
Rylee Kulbatsky spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on four hits and racked up 12 Ks. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts any time she's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, Kiki Foster was excellent, going 1-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Meanwhile, Union Area's rock-solid pitcher showed up for the team's fourth consecutive shutout on Monday. They blew past Purchase Line 12-0. The Scotties might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 17 matches by seven runs or more this season.
Mia Preuhs made a big impact no matter where she played. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 13 over six innings pitched. Preuhs was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one home run and one double.
In other batting news, Irelyn Fisher was a standout: she fired off two home runs, three runs, and three RBI while going 2-for-3. That's the most home runs she has posted since back in April. Olivia Benedict was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI.
Union Area pushed their record up to 20-2 with the win, which was their tenth straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.3 runs over those games. As for DuBois Central Catholic, their record now sits at 12-10.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. DuBois Central Catholic has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 13.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Union Area struggles in that department as they've been averaging 10.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
DuBois Central Catholic beat Union Area 6-1 in their previous meeting back in June of 2024. Do the Cardinals have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Scotties turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
