Apex extended their losing streak (dating back to last season) to 11 on Friday, dropping them down to 0-10. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 5-4 heartbreaker at the hands of the Panther Creek Catamounts. The Cougars were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Catamounts apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in April of 2025.
Emma Bartelt made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with three RBI. Another player making a difference was Libby Austin, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
As for Panther Creek, they are on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 5-4 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.3 runs over those games.
On Panther Creek's side, Jessica Burk was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out 12 batters over seven innings while giving up four earned runs off six hits. Burk has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double.
In other batting news, Ava Burt was excellent, going 1-for-4 with one home run. Hannah Welborn was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one triple.
Apex and Panther Creek will both get a bit of extra prep time before their next games. The next time the Cougars see the field they'll take on South Central at 6:00 p.m. on April 8. As for Panther Creek, their break will end when they face Apex Friendship at 4:00 p.m. on April 7.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
