Softball Game Preview: Delran Bears vs. Maple Shade Wildcats

The Delran Bears will square off against the Maple Shade Wildcats at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Delran 3.2, Maple Shade 2.8) so any runs scored will be well earned.

Last Tuesday, Delran made easy work of Westampton Tech and carried off an 8-2 win. The Bears might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six matches by six runs or more this season.

Olivia Powell spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on six hits and racked up seven Ks. Those seven strikeouts set a new season-high mark for her.

At the plate, Delran let Ellie Haskell and Elaina Faux run wild. Haskell scored a run and stole two bases while going 2-for-2, while Faux went 2-for-3 with one triple and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Gianna Spinelli, who scored a run and stole three bases.

Meanwhile, Maple Shade came up short against Woodstown on Wednesday, falling 7-1. The contest marked the Wildcats' lowest-scoring game so far this season.

Maple Shade saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Isabella Adams, who went 2-for-3 with one RBI.

Delran's victory bumped their record up to 6-3. As for Maple Shade, their loss was their first of the season and makes their record 4-1.

Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Delran has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .461. However, it's not like Maple Shade struggles in that department as they've averaged .539. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Delran beat Maple Shade 7-4 in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Do the Bears have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Wildcats turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.