DeLand hasn't had much luck against University recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Bulldogs will head out on the road to square off against the Titans at 4:00 p.m. DeLand is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.
While DeLand's win against Taylor wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Bulldogs narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past the Wildcats 10-9. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Bulldogs have posted since February 24, 2024.
The team relied heavily on Mimi Cabrera, who scored a run while going 2-for-4. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in RBI (two).
Meanwhile, after only two runs in their last contest, University made sure to put some runs up on the board against Flagler Palm Coast on Tuesday. The Titans blew past the Bulldogs 15-8.
Kendra Lee spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered six earned (and two unearned) runs on 11 hits and racked up 12 Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Baylie Howard was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three runs, four RBI, and one stolen base. The team also got some help courtesy of Nina Rios-Cruz, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4.
University hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least four batters in three consecutive matchups.
University pushed their record up to 12-6 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.8 runs over those games. As for DeLand, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 9-9.
DeLand suffered a grim 15-0 defeat to University in their previous meeting back in May of 2023. Can the Bulldogs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
