The Eastern Christian Eagles will challenge the Hasbrouck Heights Aviators at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
It was a Battle of the Birds when Eastern Christian faced off against Manchester Regional on Thursday. The Eagles were the clear victors by an 18-3 margin over the Falcons.
Alina Ellis
| 05/15/25 @ Manchester Regional | 4 |
| 05/06/25 vs Secaucus | 2 |
| 04/16/25 @ Hawthorne | 2 |
| 04/15/25 vs Manchester Regional | 1 |
Alina Ellis was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Ellis was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with four RBI, one run, and one double. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high.
In other pitching news, Avery Conrad looked comfortable as she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out six over four innings pitched. Those six strikeouts gave her a new career-high.
Back at the plate, Nali DeLorenzo was a standout: she went a perfect 5-for-5 with three runs and two RBI. Those five hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Camila Ramirez, who got on base in three of her five plate appearances with three RBI and two runs.
Eastern Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .705. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Hasbrouck Heights, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Wednesday. They put the hurt on Lodi with a sharp 11-1 victory on Monday. The high-scoring effort was just what the Aviators needed considering they were shut out in their previous matchup.
Maddy Connelly spent all five innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on one hit and racked up seven Ks.
At the plate, Hasbrouck Heights got a massive performance out of Ali Monchino, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. That home run was Monchino's first of the season. Mackenzie Riordan was another key player, going 3-for-4 with four stolen bases, two runs, and one triple.
Eastern Christian's win bumped their record up to 8-9. As for Hasbrouck Heights, their victory bumped their record up to 17-4.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Eastern Christian hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .342. However, it's not like Hasbrouck Heights struggles in that department as they've averaged .445. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Eastern Christian took their win against Hasbrouck Heights when the teams last played back in April of 2022 by a conclusive 10-1 score. Do the Eagles have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Aviators turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
