Naperville Central hasn't had much luck against Neuqua Valley recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Redhawks will face off against the Wildcats at 4:30 p.m. Naperville Central is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.7 runs per game this season.
Naperville Central proved they can win big on Monday (they won by 11) and on Wednesday they proved they can win the close ones too. They skirted past Waubonsie Valley 6-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Redhawks have posted since May 14, 2024.
Shea Meech
| 04/23/25 @ Waubonsie Valley | 10 |
| 04/21/25 @ Metea Valley | 11 |
| 04/19/25 @ St. Charles North | 6 |
| 04/17/25 vs Benet Academy | 8 |
| 04/15/25 vs Wheaton-Warrenville South | 9 |
| + 5 more games |
Shea Meech spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned runs on four hits and racked up ten Ks. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in ten consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Riley Silvers was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three doubles, two runs, and two RBI. Those four hits gave her a new career-high. Meredith Cann was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs.
Naperville Central was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .387. They are 6-1 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Neuqua Valley and Naperville North meet (four straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Wednesday. The Wildcats came out on top against the Huskies by a score of 11-7.
Neuqua Valley also got a great performance from Ava Drehs as she struck out 19 batters over 7.1 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off five hits (and not a single walk).
On the hitting side, Tegan Spellerberg and Cora Dickson did most of the damage at the plate: Spellerberg went 3-for-7 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base, while Dickson went 4-for-6 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. Spellerberg also put up a double, which was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Esha Argawal, who went 2-for-6 with two RBI and one double.
Neuqua Valley's record is now 7-8. As for Naperville Central, they now have a winning record of 9-8.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Naperville Central has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Neuqua Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Naperville Central couldn't quite get it done against Neuqua Valley in their previous meeting two weeks ago as they fell 7-3. Can the Redhawks avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
