Softball Game Preview: Crystal Lake South Gators vs. Jacobs Golden Eagles

Crystal Lake South is 1-9 against Jacobs since May of 2017 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Gators will host the Golden Eagles at 4:30 p.m. Crystal Lake South has given up an average of 16.6 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Crystal Lake South is headed into Thursday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 13th straight game dating back to last season on Wednesday. They came up short against Cary-Grove, falling 13-3.

Riley Barda was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run and one double. Hazel Hook also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.

Meanwhile, after low-scoring totals in their previous three contest, Jacobs brought some dynamite into their most recent game. They had just enough and edged out McHenry 10-9 on Wednesday. The win was a breath of fresh air for the Golden Eagles as it put an end to their three-game losing streak.

Audrey Wetzel made a splash while hitting and pitching. She tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one home run and two RBI.

In other batting news, Kate Takasaki and Talia Disilvio did most of the damage at the plate: Takasaki went 1-for-3 with one home run, while Disilvio went 1-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. Another player making a difference was Jianna Tanada, who went 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI.

Jacobs lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. They are 2-1 when they post two or more home runs.

The victory got Jacobs back to even at 9-9. As for Crystal Lake South, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-10.

Crystal Lake South came up short against Jacobs in their previous meeting back in May of 2024, falling 10-6. Can the Gators avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.