The Panther Creek Catamounts will square off against the Middle Creek Mustangs at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Panther Creek is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.9 runs per game this season.
Panther Creek took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Wednesday. They put the hurt on Cary with a sharp 17-9 victory. The high-scoring effort was just what the Catamounts needed considering they were shut out in their previous game.
Jessica Burk
| 04/30/25 vs Cary | 5 |
| 03/19/25 @ East Chapel Hill | 3 |
| 03/10/25 @ Cary | 2 |
| 04/24/25 vs Green Hope | 1 |
| 04/17/25 @ Apex | 1 |
Jessica Burk was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out ten batters over seven innings while giving up seven earned (and two unearned) runs off nine hits. Burk was even better at the plate, going 3-for-4 with five RBI, three runs, and one stolen base. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Hannah Welborn and Cassidy Robinson did most of the damage at the plate: Welborn went 3-for-5 with four stolen bases and four runs, while Robinson got on base in three of her five plate appearances with three stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Those four runs gave Welborn a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Ava Burt, who got on base in two of her five plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Panther Creek kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are 4-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Middle Creek was able to grind out a solid win over Green Level on Tuesday, taking the game 9-4. The victory continues a trend for the Mustangs in their matchups with the Gators: they've now won eight in a row.
Like Panther Creek, Middle Creek also got a great game from a two-way player: Hailey Hoeft. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 15 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off six hits. Hoeft has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with three RBI and two runs.
In other batting news, Middle Creek got a massive performance out of Kennedy Johnson, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and one RBI. Kristen Norton was another key player, going 3-for-4 with four runs.
Panther Creek's win bumped their record up to 7-10. As for Middle Creek, their victory bumped their record up to 8-9.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Panther Creek has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Middle Creek struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Panther Creek suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to Middle Creek in their previous meeting back in April. Will the Catamounts have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
