The University Titans will square off against the Eustis Panthers at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (University 2.8, Eustis 3.5) so any runs scored will be well earned.
University took a loss when they played away from home on Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Lake Howell, sneaking past 2-1.
Madison McCormick spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on three hits and racked up eight Ks. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, University secured the win behind a pair of hitters. One of them was Aubry Knox, who went 1-for-2 with one run.
University hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Lake Howell struck out eight times.
Meanwhile, while Eustis put up some runs on Thursday, the same can't be said for Tavares. The Panthers were the clear victors by a 10-0 margin over the Bulldogs. The result was nothing new for the Panthers, who have now won six matchups by nine runs or more so far this season.
Brooke Mansfield tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out nine over five innings pitched. Those nine strikeouts gave her a new career-high.
At the plate, Brooklyn Powhida was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. The team also got some help courtesy of Brooklynn Mason, who went 1-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
University has been performing well recently as they've won seven of their last nine contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-5 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.9 runs on average over those games. As for Eustis, their win bumped their record up to 9-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. University has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Eustis struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
University beat Eustis 7-4 in their previous meeting back in March of 2025. Will the Titans repeat their success, or do the Panthers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
