Independence
| 05/07/25 vs Riverside | 5 |
| 05/07/25 @ Riverside | 3 |
| 05/01/25 vs Stone Bridge | 11 |
| 04/29/25 @ Stone Bridge | 11 |
| 04/28/25 vs Broad Run | 6 |
| + 9 more games |
Independence will square off against the Lightridge Bolts at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Independence is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.6 runs per game this season.
Independence is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Virginia's top teams: Riverside, who was ranked 25th at the time (Independence was ranked 16th). Independence took a 9-5 hit to the loss column at the hands of Riverside on Wednesday. Independence's defeat signaled the end of their nine-game winning streak.
Independence saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Emma Stringer, who went 1-for-3 with one home run and three RBI.
Meanwhile, Lightridge strolled into their game on Thursday with a perfect record and they left with the same. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 4-3 W against Potomac Falls.
Karissa Bowes spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and two unearned) runs on six hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Avery Sullivan was excellent, going 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March. Cara Welton was another key player, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with one stolen base and one RBI.
Independence's loss was their first in the region, dropping their region record down to 5-1 and their overall record down to 12-2. As for Lightridge, they pushed their record up to 16-0 with the victory, which was their eighth straight on the road.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Independence hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .333. However, it's not like Lightridge struggles in that department as they've averaged .341. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Independence might still be hurting after the 9-0 defeat they got from Lightridge in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Can Independence avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
