American Leadership Academy-Johnston hasn't had much luck against Grace Christian recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Patriots will be playing in front of their home fans against the Crusaders at 4:30 p.m. American Leadership Academy-Johnston is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7 runs per game this season.
American Leadership Academy-Johnston is headed into Friday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Wednesday. They fell 9-5 to Falls Lake.
Makayla Cooke and Addison Cooke did some serious damage despite the final result: Makayla went 1-for-3 with two runs, one double, and one RBI, while Addison got on base in all four of her plate appearances with two runs and one double.
Meanwhile, Grace Christian entered their tilt with Harrells Christian Academy on Thursday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. Their pitchers stepped up to hand Harrells Christian Academy an 11-0 shutout. The result was nothing new for Grace Christian, who have now won nine matches by seven runs or more so far this season.
Hayley Pugh and Victoria Thomas made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Pugh tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Meanwhile, Thomas tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. What's more, she posted four strikeouts, the most she's had since back in May of 2024. At the plate, Pugh went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and two doubles, while Thomas went a perfect 1-for-1 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Olivia Hochevar, who went 1-for-4 with one home run and three RBI. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Adison Gardner, who went 1-for-2 with two stolen bases and one run.
Grace Christian was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .381. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .310 or higher in three consecutive contests.
Grace Christian pushed their record up to 9-3 with the win, which was their third straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.0 runs over those games. As for American Leadership Academy-Johnston, their loss dropped their record down to 6-9.
American Leadership Academy-Johnston suffered a grim 13-0 defeat to Grace Christian in their previous meeting back in March. Will the Patriots have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
