Softball Game Preview: Niles North Vikings vs. Maine East Blue Demons

The Niles North Vikings will venture away from home to challenge the Maine East Blue Demons at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday. Considering both teams were shutout in their prior games, the pair is probably coming into this one with something to prove.

Niles North is headed into the contest having just suffered their biggest loss since April 5th on Tuesday. They came up short against Maine West, falling 11-0. The Vikings have struggled against the Warriors recently, as the game was their eighth consecutive lost meeting.

Meanwhile, Maine East was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their tenth straight defeat. They lost 19-0 to Vernon Hills.

Niles North's loss dropped their record down to 8-7. As for Maine East, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-11.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Niles North has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Maine East struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.1 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Niles North took their win against Maine East in their previous matchup two weeks ago by a conclusive 15-0 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Vikings since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.