The Bethlehem Central Eagles will head out to challenge the Columbia Blue Devils at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Bethlehem Central came out on top against Kellenberg Memorial on Saturday thanks in part to the team's impressive seven-run fifth inning. The Eagles were the clear victors by a 14-5 margin over the Firebirds. The Eagles' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Emma Hanlon made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-5 with three runs, three RBI, and one double. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2025.
Julianna Doemel
| 04/18/26 @ Kellenberg Memorial | 4 |
| 04/21/25 @ Columbia | 2 |
| 05/12/25 vs Shenendehowa | 1 |
| 04/29/25 vs Guilderland | 1 |
| 04/24/25 vs Schenectady | 1 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Julianna Doemel, who went 3-for-5 with four RBI and two runs. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Molly Campbell was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.
Bethlehem Central was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .452. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Columbia had already won three in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 6 runs) and they went ahead and made it four on Friday. They skirted past the Blue Streaks 4-2. That's two games straight that the Blue Devils have won by exactly two runs.
Sophia Galligan spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on five hits and racked up nine Ks.
On the hitting side, Columbia's victory was truly a team effort as three different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Jill Sousa, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one run and one RBI. Bryce Stark also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.
Bethlehem Central now has a winning record of 4-3. As for Columbia, their record now sits at 6-1.
Bethlehem Central couldn't quite finish off Columbia when the teams last played two weeks ago and fell 2-0. Can the Eagles avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
