Lynchburg-Clay hasn't had much luck against Fairfield recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Mustangs will take on the Lions at 5:00 p.m. The last three games Lynchburg-Clay has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
While Lynchburg-Clay didn't have the best season last year (they finished 10-13), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with an 8-7 victory over North Adams on Tuesday.
Noel Barnhill
| 04/01/25 vs North Adams | 2 |
| 03/29/25 vs South Webster | 1 |
| 03/24/25 vs Blanchester | 1 |
| 03/22/25 vs Georgetown | 1 |
| 03/22/25 vs Georgetown | 1 |
Noel Barnhill made a big impact no matter where she played. She struck out 15 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and six unearned) runs off six hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in six consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off two home runs and four RBI while going 2-for-3. Those two home runs gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Jazmine Brown was excellent, scoring a run while going 1-for-4. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in RBI (two). Reese Ruble also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen bases of the season.
Meanwhile, Fairfield waltzed into their matchup on Tuesday with three straight wins... but they left with four. They skirted past the Indians 8-6.
Rilee Quickle spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and four unearned) runs on five hits and racked up eight Ks.
On the hitting side, Fairfield let Carly Sanders and Kelsie Crowder run wild. Sanders scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4, while Crowder scored two runs while going 3-for-3. Whitlee Morrow was another key player, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.
Lynchburg-Clay's record is now 6-1. As for Fairfield, their record now sits at 4-1.
Fairfield's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Lynchburg-Clay has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .493. It's a different story for Fairfield, though, as they've only averaged .361. Will they be able to contain Lynchburg-Clay's hitters?
Lynchburg-Clay might still be hurting after the 11-5 loss they got from Fairfield in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Can the Mustangs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
