Hilltop and Wauseon are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2019, but likely not for long. The Cadets will venture away from home to take on the Indians at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Hilltop is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 13.5 runs per game this season.
Hilltop was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last match, but they sure didn't let that happen against Gorham Fayette on Thursday. The Cadets blew past the Eagles 30-0. The Cadets might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won ten games by seven runs or more this season.
Giada Rising
| 04/17/25 vs Gorham Fayette | 5 |
| 04/30/24 @ Stryker | 4 |
| 04/07/25 @ Liberty Center | 3 |
| 05/02/24 vs North Central | 3 |
| 04/09/25 vs Stryker | 2 |
Giada Rising made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 11 over four innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with five runs and two RBI. Those five runs gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Hilltop got a massive performance out of Sophia Crossgrove, who got on base in five of her six plate appearances with six RBI, three runs, and one stolen base. Kelsy Connolly was another key player, getting on base in all six of her plate appearances with four runs and four RBI.
Hilltop was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .455. They are a perfect 10-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Wauseon couldn't beat Patrick Henry on Thursday even though they stacked six runs on them in the second inning. The Indians came up short against the Patriots, falling 19-9.
Kyler Bronson was cooking despite her team's loss, going 3-for-4 with one home run, one stolen base, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Josie Russell, who went 1-for-3 with one home run and two runs.
Wauseon's defeat was their fourth straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 6-6. As for Hilltop, their record is now 11-2.
Wauseon's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Hilltop has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 12.8 hits per game. It's a different story for Wauseon, though, as they've been averaging 11.4 hits. Given Hilltop's sizable advantage in that area, the Indians will need to find a way to close that gap.
Hilltop beat Wauseon 4-0 in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Cadets since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
