Independence and Water Valley are an even 5-5 against one another since March of 2018, but likely not for long. The Independence Wildcats will be playing in front of their home fans against the Water Valley Blue Devils at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Independence is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 6.7 runs per game this season.
Independence had to endure a three-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They had just enough and edged Center Hill out 9-7. The victory was just what Independence needed coming off of an 11-3 defeat in their prior game.
The team relied heavily on Mabry Owens, who scored three runs and stole four bases while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Kamiyah Stephens, who scored two runs and stole three bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Water Valley fell victim to a rough 20-1 loss at the hands of Bruce on Tuesday. Water Valley has not had much luck with Bruce recently, as the team's come up short the last five times they've met.
Water Valley saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Kelly Douglas, who went 1-for-2 with a triple and a run.
Independence's win bumped their record up to 3-6. As for Water Valley, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-6.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both team's pitchers. Independence hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .369. However, it's not like Water Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .393. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Independence skirted past Water Valley 5-4 in their previous meeting back in April of 2023. Will Independence repeat their success, or does Water Valley have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
