Softball Recap: Hough Has No Trouble Against Mallard Creek

Hough won the last time they faced Mallard Creek and things went their way on Tuesday too. Hough was the clear victor by a 14-1 margin over Mallard Creek. Considering the Huskies have won six contests by more than ten runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

Payton Elwell

Batters Struck Out

03/25/25 vs Mallard Creek	11
03/20/25 @ West Charlotte	7
03/19/25 vs West Forsyth	6
03/13/25 @ Chambers	8
03/12/25 vs Weddington	5
+ 3 more games

Payton Elwell made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 11 batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit (and not a single walk). With that strong performance, she is now averaging an impressive 5.4 strikeouts per game. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March of 2024.

In other pitching news, Aubrey Martin looked comfortable as she tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up a single hit in three consecutive appearances.

Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Maylee Stroupe, who went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, five RBI, and one run. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high. Reese Lavey was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3.

Hough hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now struck out at most five strikeouts in five consecutive games.

Hough's record is now 8-2. As for Mallard Creek, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-7.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Hough will head out to challenge South Mecklenburg at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Hough's pitchers better be ready for this one: South Mecklenburg has averaged an impressive 8.2 runs per game this season. As for Mallard Creek, they will venture away from home to take on West Mecklenburg at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Mallard Creek is facing West Mecklenburg at the right time seeing as West Mecklenburg is stuck on a six-game losing streak.