Shenandoah Valley is 0-10 against Marian Catholic since April of 2019 but things could change on Thursday. The Blue Devils will take on Marian Catholic at 4:00 p.m. Shenandoah Valley has given up an average of 16 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Shenandoah Valley came into their game on Tuesday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They came up short against Williams Valley, falling 21-0. Having soared to a lofty 12 runs in the game before, the Blue Devils' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Marian Catholic). Their pitcher stepped up to hand Weatherly a 23-0 shutout on Tuesday. The result was nothing new for Marian Catholic, who have now won five games by ten runs or more so far this season.
Kayla Birrer made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Birrer was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two RBI and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Malina Letcher, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with seven RBI, three runs, and two doubles. Those four hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Maggie Turrano, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI, two runs, and two doubles.
Marian Catholic hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in four consecutive matchups.
Shenandoah Valley's defeat dropped their record down to 3-9. As for Marian Catholic, their record now sits at 5-6.
Shenandoah Valley's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's contest. The Blue Devils have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Marian Catholic, though, as they've been averaging only 1.3 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Shenandoah Valley continue to outrun the ball?
Shenandoah Valley suffered a grim 17-1 defeat to Marian Catholic in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Can the Blue Devils avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
