Softball Game Preview: Metea Valley Mustangs vs. DeKalb Barbs

Metea Valley is a perfect 10-0 against DeKalb since May of 2021 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Wednesday. The Mustangs will welcome the Barbs at 4:30 p.m. Having both just faced considerable losses, both teams are looking to turn things around.

Metea Valley came into their game on Monday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They came up short against Naperville Central, falling 14-3.

Charlie Benesh

Batters Struck Out

04/21/25 vs Naperville Central	5
04/16/25 vs Naperville North	12
04/14/25 @ Neuqua Valley	9
04/12/25 @ Hinsdale South	7
04/10/25 vs Waubonsie Valley	9

Charlie Benesh was huge no matter where she played even without the win. On the mound, she pitched five innings while giving up just one earned (and five unearned) runs off six hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.

Benesh wasn't the only one making solid contact as two players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Maielle Ernser, who went 1-for-3 with one run.

The home team had come away the winner the last four times DeKalb and Neuqua Valley had met, but sadly for the fans who attended this one that wasn't the case. The Barbs lost 9-2 to the Wildcats on Monday. The contest marked the Barbs' lowest-scoring game so far this season.

Metea Valley's loss dropped their record down to 4-10. As for DeKalb, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-4.

Metea Valley skirted past DeKalb 10-9 when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Do the Mustangs have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Barbs turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.