Softball Recap: Fillmore Central Comes Up Short

Fillmore Central extended their losing streak (dating back to last season) to six on Tuesday, dropping them down to 0-5. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 9-8 heartbreaker at the hands of the Fairbury Jeffs. If the Panthers were looking for revenge after losing 8-6 to the Jeffs when the teams met back in September of 2024, then they'll just have to keep looking.

Mackenzie Salmon and Malorie Lawver stepped up to the plate in a big way. Salmon went 2-for-4 with one home run and two RBI, while Lawver went 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run. Lawver also put up a double, which was her first of the season. Calli Gonzales was another key player, going 1-for-5 with one home run and two RBI.

As for Fairbury, their victory was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 2-5. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.8 runs over those games.

On Fairbury's side, Jordin Gill was incredible, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Those two stolen bases gave Gill a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Morgan Hansmire, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.

Looking ahead, Fillmore Central will look to defend their home field on Thursday against Aurora at 6:30 p.m. The Huskies' pitching crew has only allowed 3.8 runs per game this season, so the Panthers' hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for Fairbury, they are taking a road trip to challenge Adams Central at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday.