The GRACE Christian Eagles will challenge the Neuse Christian Academy Lions at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. GRACE Christian knows how to get runs on the board -- the squad has finished with ten runs or more in their past seven matches -- so hopefully Neuse Christian Academy likes a good challenge.
On Thursday, GRACE Christian needed a bit of extra time to put away Harrells Christian Academy. They had just enough and edged out the Crusaders 13-11.
Audrey Lester was incredible, going 3-for-5 with four stolen bases, three runs, and four RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Lydia Lester, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-5.
GRACE Christian was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .385. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .370 or higher in seven consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Neuse Christian Academy). They were the clear victors by a 20-1 margin over New Life Christian Academy on Monday.
Chloe Barham made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching four innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. Barham was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances. She has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times she's played.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Abbi Hoover, who went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, three runs, and four RBI. Those RBI were her first of the season. Leigha Norris was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
GRACE Christian pushed their record up to 8-2 with the victory, which was their third straight on the road. Those road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.3 runs over those games. As for Neuse Christian Academy, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-7-1.
Neuse Christian Academy's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: GRACE Christian has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 10.6 hits per game. It's a different story for Neuse Christian Academy, though, as they've been averaging 12.6 hits. Given GRACE Christian's sizable advantage in that area, the Lions will need to find a way to close that gap.
GRACE Christian took their win against Neuse Christian Academy in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 19-4 score. Will the Eagles repeat their success, or do the Lions have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
