A feisty cat fight will be fought as Athens Drive Jaguars take on Chapel Hill Tigers at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Athens Drive has given up an average of 13.6 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Athens Drive is headed into Friday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Wednesday. They lost 13-3 to Jordan.
Cora Driscoll was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring a run and stealing Three bases. while going 3-for-3. She also hit a double, marking her first of the season.
Meanwhile, Chapel Hill hadn't done well against Northwood recently (they were 0-9 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Wednesday. Chapel Hill blew past Northwood 18-4. The Tigers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won three contests by ten runs or more this season.
Alexandra (Kes) Duncan made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 15 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off five hits. Duncan was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing Three bases. while going 3-for-5. Those three hits gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Channing Clark and Isabella Chupp did most of the damage at the plate: Clark went a perfect 5-for-5 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI, while Chupp went 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. The dominant performance gave Clark a new career-high in hits. Another player making a difference was Rachel Penzner, who scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances.
Chapel Hill always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .568. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Athens Drive's defeat dropped their record down to 1-7. As for Chapel Hill, the win got them back to even at 3-3.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Athens Drive has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .449. However, it's not like Chapel Hill struggles in that department as they've averaged .471. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Athens Drive's way against Chapel Hill in their previous matchup back in March of 2024, as Athens Drive made off with a 19-4 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Athens Drive since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
