Kenai Central is 1-9 against Palmer since May of 2021 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Kardinals will host the Moose at 5:30 p.m. Kenai Central knows how to get runs on the board -- the team has finished with ten runs or more in their past three matchups -- so hopefully Palmer likes a good challenge.
Kenai Central is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Alaska's top teams: Houston, who was ranked 23rd at the time (Kenai Central was ranked 15th). The Kardinals were the clear victors by a 12-4 margin over the Hawks on Thursday. The result was nothing new for the Kardinals, who have now won seven contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Blakeley Jorgensen
| 05/22/25 vs Houston | 9 |
| 05/13/25 vs Soldotna | 4 |
| 04/25/25 vs West Anchorage | 3 |
| 05/06/25 vs Soldotna | 1 |
Blakeley Jorgensen was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over five innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off three hits. Those nine strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Avery Ellis and Kailey Stynsberg did most of the damage at the plate: Ellis went 2-for-3 with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base, while Stynsberg went 2-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. That's the most runs Ellis has posted over her last ten games. Isabel Thomas was another key player, getting on base in two of her four plate appearances with three stolen bases and three runs.
Meanwhile, Palmer came up short against Colony on Monday, falling 23-3.
Lizzy McQuillin was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last six games she's played.
Kenai Central has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-9 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.8 runs over those games. As for Palmer, their defeat dropped their record down to 9-7.
Kenai Central couldn't quite finish off Palmer in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 and fell 16-14. Will the Kardinals have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
