Softball Game Preview: Charleston Trojans vs. Tolono Unity Rockets

The Charleston Trojans will challenge the Tolono Unity Rockets at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. The two teams each escaped (but just barely!) with wins against their previous opponents.

Charleston is returning to their home field after beating Mt. Zion on theirs, despite the fact Mt. Zion has dominated at home this season. The Trojans skirted past the Braves 7-6.

Railyn Cox was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Cox was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with three RBI and one triple. That triple was her first of the season.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Lainie Keefer, who went 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Avery Beals, who went 2-for-3 with three runs and one double.

Meanwhile, Tolono Unity waltzed into their match on Saturday with six straight wins... but they left with seven. They never let the Eagles get on the board and left with a 2-0 win.

Like Charleston, Tolono Unity also got a great game from a two-way player: Lindy Bates. She didn't allow a single earned run over seven innings pitched. Bates has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one home run and one double.

In other batting news, Kenley Harris was excellent, going 1-for-3 with one home run.

Tolono Unity's victory was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 26-4. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.0 runs over those games. As for Charleston, their victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 14-9.