The Central Cambria Red Devils are taking a road trip to take on the River Valley Panthers at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Central Cambria is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.8 runs per game this season.
Central Cambria had taken Westmont Hilltop down for two straight games at home, but that winning streak came to an end on Monday. The Red Devils fell just short of the Hilltoppers by a score of 10-9. The pitching woes were uncharacteristic for the Red Devils, who until this contest were averaging 3.56 runs allowed.
Rowyn Ruddek was huge no matter where she played even without the win. She struck out seven batters over eight innings while giving up five earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits. Ruddek was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-6 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Camryn Matlin was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-5 with two runs, one double, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Avery Biter, who went 3-for-5 with two runs.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for River Valley, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Thursday. They were the clear victors by a 9-1 margin over United on Friday. The Panthers' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Like Central Cambria, River Valley also got a great game from a two-way player: Sara Bollinger. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over seven innings pitched. Bollinger has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. That stolen base marked the first that she has snagged this season.
In other batting news, Madison Twinchek was incredible, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with one home run, four runs, and two stolen bases. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in RBI (two). Izabella Speal was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
Central Cambria's loss was their first in the conference, dropping their conference record down to 10-1 and their overall record down to 12-4. As for River Valley, their record now sits at 2-9.
River Valley's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Central Cambria hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .355. It's a different story for River Valley, though, as they've only averaged .234. Will they be able to contain Central Cambria's hitters?
Central Cambria beat River Valley 8-5 when the teams last played back in April of 2025. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Red Devils since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
