Softball Recap: Elmwood Park Comes Up Short

Elmwood Park extended their losing streak to eight on Saturday, dropping their season record down to 3-10 in the process. They lost 13-6 to the Payton College Prep Grizzlies. The Tigers were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Grizzlies apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in May of 2024.

Isabel Hall was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. Ella Vargas also deserves some recognition as she scored her first run of the season.

As for Payton College Prep, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four games. That's provided a massive bump to their 6-10 record this season. The team dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 12 runs.

On Payton College Prep's side, Jacqueline Madda and Johannah Kimbler were major factors while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Madda struck out eight batters over four innings while giving up three earned runs off five hits (and only one walk). Meanwhile, Kimbler pitched three innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off one hit. That's the most strikeouts Madda has posted over her last ten matchups. At bat, Madda went 1-for-3 with three runs, while Kimbler went 2-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one double.

In other batting news, Evelyn Suss was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Lyla Hamilton, who went 2-for-4 with three runs and one RBI.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Elmwood Park will welcome Fenton at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. The Bison have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 8.56 runs per game on average), something the Tigers will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for Payton College Prep, they will host Trinity at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. The Blazers have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 12 runs per game on average), something the Grizzlies will no doubt try to take advantage of.