The GRACE Christian Eagles will venture away from home to take on the John Paul II Catholic Saints at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. GRACE Christian knows how to get runs on the board -- the squad has finished with ten runs or more in their past 13 matchups -- so hopefully John Paul II Catholic likes a good challenge.
GRACE Christian is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. They blew past Arendell Parrott Academy 17-2. The result was nothing new for the Eagles, who have now won 12 games by seven runs or more so far this season.
Taylor Laraway
| 05/06/25 vs Arendell Parrott Academy | 2 |
| 05/01/25 vs Cary Academy | 1 |
| 04/29/25 vs North Raleigh Christian Academy | 1 |
| 04/25/25 vs Wake Christian Academy | 1 |
| 04/16/25 @ Durham Academy | 0 |
| + 6 more games |
Taylor Laraway was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she tossed four innings while giving up just two earned runs off six hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Audrey Lester was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with five stolen bases and three runs. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in March of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Caitlin Barry, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI.
GRACE Christian was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .583. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .370 or higher in 13 consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, John Paul II Catholic was not the first on the board last Tuesday, but they got there more often. Everything went their way against Bethel Christian Academy as they made off with a 12-2 win. The Saints might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight matchups by eight runs or more this season.
Alana Albritton was incredible, going 3-for-4 with one home run, six RBI, and two triples. Makayla Cox was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
GRACE Christian pushed their record up to 14-2 with the victory, which was their tenth straight at home dating back to last season. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.1 runs on average over those games. As for John Paul II Catholic, the victory was the third in a row for them, bringing their record up to 13-8-1.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. GRACE Christian hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .457. However, it's not like John Paul II Catholic struggles in that department as they've averaged .397. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
