The St. Joseph Academy Crusaders will face off against the Maranatha Christian Eagles at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. St. Joseph Academy has given up an average of 19.3 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
St. Joseph Academy is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 32 runs on Wednesday, they were much more limited against Francis Parker on Friday. They lost 19-1 to the Lancers. The defeat continues a trend for the Crusaders in their meetings with the Lancers: they've now lost five in a row.
Meanwhile, Maranatha Christian got the win against La Jolla Country Day on Wednesday by a conclusive 22-1. Considering the Eagles have won five matchups by more than five runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Abby Morales and Hannah Visser were major factors no matter where they played. On the mound, Morales pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Meanwhile, Visser struck out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and not a single walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one walk in four consecutive appearances. At the plate, Morales went 1-for-4 with three RBI and one run, while Visser went 1-for-4 with four RBI, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, Hope Fitzherbert was incredible, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with one home run, seven RBI, and four runs. Those seven RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Ally Ryan, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with three runs and two RBI.
Maranatha Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .683. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Maranatha Christian's win bumped their record up to 7-4. As for St. Joseph Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 2-8.
St. Joseph Academy might still be hurting after the 10-0 defeat they got from Maranatha Christian in their previous meeting back in April of 2025. Will the Crusaders 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.
