The Providence Panthers will face off against the Hickory Ridge Ragin' Bulls on Friday. Providence is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.5 runs per game this season.
Providence is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Charlotte Catholic, sneaking past 4-3. The victory continues a trend for the Panthers in their matchups with the Cougars: they've now won three in a row.
Annie Stienecker
| 05/06/25 vs Charlotte Catholic | 5 |
| 04/29/25 vs East Mecklenburg | 1 |
| 04/23/25 vs Hough | 0 |
| 04/09/25 vs Myers Park | 3 |
| 04/03/25 @ Marvin Ridge | 2 |
| 04/01/25 vs Butler | 7 |
Annie Stienecker tossed a big game, tossing six innings while giving up three earned runs off seven hits. What's more, she posted five strikeouts, the most she's had since back in April.
On the hitting side, Providence's win was truly a team effort as six different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Camryn O'Connor, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one RBI.
Meanwhile, Hickory Ridge got the win against Myers Park on Tuesday by a conclusive 10-1. The result was nothing new for the Ragin' Bulls, who have now won ten matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Hickory Ridge got a massive performance out of Hailey Faulkenberry, who went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, three RBI, and one run. Another player making a difference was Katherine Rhyne, who went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI.
Hickory Ridge was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .375. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Myers Park only posted a batting average of .000.
Providence's record now sits at 21-5. As for Hickory Ridge, their record is now 20-4.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Providence has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .483. However, it's not like Hickory Ridge struggles in that department as they've averaged .444. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Providence skirted past Hickory Ridge 3-2 in their previous matchup back in February. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Panthers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
