The Rock Island Rocks will square off against the Neuqua Valley Wildcats at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Rock Island will be looking to extend their current five-game winning streak.
On Wednesday, Rock Island got the win against Alleman by a conclusive 13-1. The result was nothing new for the Rocks, who have now won seven matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Maddie Carroll made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing five innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with three RBI and one double. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on A'Rion Lonergan, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. That's the most runs she has posted over her last ten games. Another player making a difference was Jozie Kerr, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and two doubles.
Rock Island hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in six consecutive contests.
Neuqua Valley came out on top against Waubonsie Valley on Wednesday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run third inning. The Wildcats walked away with an 8-4 victory over the Warriors. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Wildcats.
Ava Drehs looked comfortable as she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out six over four innings pitched.
On the hitting side, Tegan Spellerberg was incredible, going 2-for-3 with two triples and three runs. The team also got some help courtesy of Ashley Pape, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Rock Island's win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 15-6. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 6.3 runs over those games. As for Neuqua Valley, they now have a winning record of 10-9.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Rock Island has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Neuqua Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
