North Central had lost three straight at home, but on Tuesday they dropped their record down to 3-9 to make it four. They came up short against the Hilltop Cadets, falling 24-0. Having soared to a lofty 11 runs in the game before, the Eagles' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
As for Hilltop, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 15-3. Considering they have won 13 matchups by more than six runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
For Hilltop's part, Kelsy Connolly made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 14 over five innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts Connolly has posted since back in April of 2024. She was also big at the plate, going 4-for-5 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI.
In other batting news, Sophia Crossgrove and Kenley Routt did most of the damage at the plate: Crossgrove got on base in three of her six plate appearances with four runs, three RBI, and one stolen base, while Routt got on base in five of her six plate appearances with four runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. That's the most runs Crossgrove has posted over her last 12 contests. Sophie Graham was another key player, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. North Central will venture away from home to square off against Montpelier at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Locomotives will roll in looking for their ninth straight win, something the Eagles surely won't give up without a fight. As for Hilltop, they will head out to challenge Stryker at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The Cadets are facing the Panthers at the right time seeing as the Panthers are stuck on an eight-game losing streak.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
