The North Raleigh Christian Academy Knights will challenge the GRACE Christian Eagles at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
North Raleigh Christian Academy gave up the first runs last Thursday, but they didn't let that get them down. Everything went their way against Cary Academy as they made off with an 18-8 victory. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Knights.
Taylor Gardner was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run over five innings pitched. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in two of her five plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.
Presley Harrison
| 04/17/25 vs Cary Academy | 3 |
| 04/08/25 vs Wesleyan Christian Academy | 2 |
| 03/21/25 @ Ravenscroft | 2 |
| 04/30/24 @ St. Mary's | 2 |
| 03/19/24 @ Durham Academy | 2 |
In other batting news, Cora Harmsen and Presley Harrison did most of the damage at the plate: Harmsen got on base in all four of her plate appearances with three runs, three RBI, and one triple, while Harrison went 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI. Those three hits gave Harrison a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Bella Gibb, who went 2-for-3 with three runs and one RBI.
North Raleigh Christian Academy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .458. They are 5-1 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, GRACE Christian hadn't done well against Wake Christian Academy recently (they were 0-4 in their previous four matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. The Eagles were the clear victors by a 13-6 margin over the Bulldogs. The win was familiar territory for the Eagles, who have now won six games in a row.
Like North Raleigh Christian Academy, GRACE Christian also got a great game from a two-way player: Addison Vercellino. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 16 batters over seven innings while giving up five earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk). Vercellino was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
In other batting news, GRACE Christian got a massive performance out of Audrey Lester, who went 3-for-4 with three runs, one triple, and two RBI. Lester also hit a double, marking her first of the season. Lydia Lester was another key player, going 3-for-4 with four stolen bases and two runs.
GRACE Christian's victory was their seventh straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 11-2. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.4 runs over those games. As for North Raleigh Christian Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 6-10.
Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. North Raleigh Christian Academy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .329. However, it's not like GRACE Christian struggles in that department as they've averaged .456. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
