For the first time this season, Willowbrook will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will challenge the Leyden Eagles at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Willowbrook has given up an average of 7.3 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Willowbrook lost 15-5 to Batavia on Tuesday. The Warriors have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Marli Smrz made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and got on base in two of her three plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Sonia Ruchala, who went 1-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Leyden). They came out on top against ITW David Speer Academy by a score of 13-8 on Tuesday. The high-scoring effort was just what the Eagles needed considering they were shut out in their previous matchup.
Elise Bertsche was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed two innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. Bertsche was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two runs.
In other batting news, Arianna Gallo and Carmen Richardson did most of the damage at the plate: Gallo went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and two doubles, while Richardson went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and one run. That's the most runs Gallo has posted since back in April of 2024. Alexa Vargas also deserves some recognition as she got her first hit of the season.
Willowbrook's loss dropped their record down to 7-7. As for Leyden, the victory snapped their losing streak at four games and leaves them with a 6-7 record.
Leyden's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Willowbrook has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .450. It's a different story for Leyden, though, as they've only averaged .361. Will they be able to contain Willowbrook's hitters?
Willowbrook was able to grind out a solid win over Leyden in their previous meeting back in May of 2024, winning 16-12. Do the Warriors have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Eagles turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
