Independence will head out on the road to challenge Wickliffe at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Independence is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last seven games.
Independence is headed into the game having just posted their closest win since March 25th on Thursday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Cuyahoga Heights, sneaking past 8-7.
Lila Manfredonia
| 04/30/26 vs Cuyahoga Heights | 13 |
| 04/28/26 vs Medina Christian Academy | 6 |
| 04/27/26 @ Brooklyn | 15 |
| 04/23/26 @ Westlake | 19 |
| 04/21/26 vs Trinity | 13 |
| + 2 more games |
Lila Manfredonia made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 13 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and five unearned) runs off four hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Rabecca Gibson, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double. Another player making a difference was Julia Chait, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two runs.
Independence hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least three batters in six consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Wickliffe narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Lake Catholic 3-1.
Leigha Blazetic spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on two hits and racked up 17 Ks. Those 17 strikeouts set a new season-high mark for her.
On the hitting side, Madelyne Prosuch was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and one run. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Ava McGarry also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Independence's record now sits at 9-3. As for Wickliffe, the win got them back to even at 7-7.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Independence has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 12.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Wickliffe struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 10.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Independence might still be hurting after the 9-2 defeat they got from Wickliffe in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. Can Independence avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
