Softball Game Preview: Guilford Vikings vs. Belvidere North Blue Thunder

Guilford is 0-10 against Belvidere North since May of 2019 but things could change on Friday. The Vikings will venture away from home to face off against the Blue Thunder at 5:00 p.m. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Guilford came out on top against Boylan Catholic on Thursday thanks in part to the team's impressive five-run first inning. The Vikings blew past the Titans 8-2. The victory was a breath of fresh air for the Vikings as it put an end to their three-game losing streak.

Malia Welch

Hits (Career)

05/22/25 @ Boylan Catholic	4
04/21/25 vs Freeport	3
05/07/25 @ Jefferson	2
05/06/25 vs Belvidere North	2
04/10/25 @ Durand	2

Malia Welch made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out 11 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off seven hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 4-for-5 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run. Those four hits gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Amiyah Wyrick, who went 3-for-4 with two runs and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Leah Hunter, who got on base in three of her five plate appearances with two runs.

Belvidere North played against Rockford East on Wednesday and won via forfeit.

The win (which was Belvidere North's 15th in a row) raised their record to 21-9. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.2 runs on average over those games. As for Guilford, their record now sits at 9-19.

Guilford suffered a grim 16-3 defeat to Belvidere North in their previous meeting on May 6th. Can the Vikings avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.