Stryker is 0-10 against Hilltop since March of 2019 but things could change on Wednesday. The Panthers will look to defend their home field against the Cadets at 4:30 p.m. Stryker has given up an average of 22.5 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Stryker is headed into Wednesday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their ninth straight game dating back to last season on Tuesday. They came up short against Edon, falling 21-3. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Panthers have suffered against the Bombers since May 10, 2018.
Stryker saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Addalee Fulk, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one RBI. That run marked the first that Fulk has scored this season.
Meanwhile, Hilltop never let their opponents score on Tuesday. Everything went their way against North Central as they made off with a 24-0 victory. Considering the Cadets have won 13 contests by more than six runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Kelsy Connolly made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 14 over five innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April of 2024. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 4-for-5 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI.
In other batting news, Hilltop let Sophia Crossgrove and Kenley Routt run wild. Crossgrove got on base in three of her six plate appearances with four runs, three RBI, and one stolen base, while Routt got on base in five of her six plate appearances with four runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. That's the most runs Crossgrove has posted over her last 12 matches. Sophie Graham was another key player, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
The win made it two in a row for Hilltop and bumps their season record up to 15-3. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 15.0 runs over those games. As for Stryker, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-8.
Stryker might still be hurting after the 28-0 loss they got from Hilltop when the teams last played on April 9th. Will the Panthers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
