The Great Bridge Wildcats will challenge the Western Branch Bruins at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Great Bridge came out on top against Nansemond River on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive six-run fifth inning. The Wildcats blew past the Warriors 11-1. The Wildcats haven't had any issues with the Warriors recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Bailey Bliven
| 04/22/25 @ Nansemond River | 1 |
| 04/21/25 @ Currituck County | 2 |
| 04/10/25 @ Hickory | 2 |
| 04/04/25 vs Landstown | 1 |
| 04/02/25 @ Granby | 1 |
Bailey Bliven tossed a big game, striking out six batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Hannah Ferrell, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Cassie Kleier, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with three runs, one double, and one RBI.
Great Bridge always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .581. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Nansemond River only posted an OBP of .188.
Meanwhile, Western Branch never let their opponents score on Tuesday. They put the hurt on Lakeland with a sharp 10-0 win. The victory was nothing new for the Bruins as they're now sitting on three straight.
Ava Giacometti looked comfortable as she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out eight over four innings pitched.
At the plate, Western Branch let Marissa Bernheimer and Maddie Lemasters run wild. Bernheimer fired off two home runs, three runs, and three RBI while going 3-for-3, while Lemasters went 3-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Ashley Matthews was another key player, getting on base in two of her four plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs.
Western Branch pushed their record up to 8-1 with the win, which was their fifth straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.0 run on average over those games. As for Great Bridge, their win bumped their record up to 7-2.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Great Bridge has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Western Branch struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Great Bridge couldn't quite get it done against Western Branch in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 as they fell 4-0. Will the Wildcats have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
