Naperville Central is 2-8 against Neuqua Valley since April of 2022 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. 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 7.8 runs per game this season.
Naperville Central had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the six-run drubbing they dealt DeKalb on Wednesday. The Redhawks were the clear victors by a 9-3 margin over the Barbs. The Redhawks haven't had any issues with the Barbs recently, as the game was their ninth consecutive win against them.
Avery Miller spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up seven Ks.
Shea Meech
| 04/30/25 vs DeKalb | 3 |
| 04/29/25 @ St. Charles East | 2 |
| 04/12/25 vs Plainfield East | 2 |
| 04/28/25 vs Naperville North | 1 |
| 04/15/25 vs Wheaton-Warrenville South | 1 |
On the hitting side, Shea Meech and Riley Silvers did most of the damage at the plate: Meech went 1-for-3 with one home run and three runs, while Silvers went 3-for-4 with one home run and two runs. Those three runs gave Meech a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Cali Lenz, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBI.
They weren't the only ones working in the home run department: Naperville Central lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. They are 5-2 when they post two or more home runs.
Neuqua Valley came out on top against Waubonsie Valley on Wednesday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run third inning. The Wildcats took their game against the Warriors 8-4.
Ava Drehs looked comfortable as she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out six over four innings pitched. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season.
At the plate, Tegan Spellerberg was incredible, going 2-for-3 with two triples and three runs. Ashley Pape was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Neuqua Valley has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six matchups. That's provided a massive bump to their 10-9 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.5 runs over those games. As for Naperville Central, their record is now 11-9.
Naperville Central couldn't quite get it done against Neuqua Valley when the teams last played back in April as they fell 7-3. Can the Redhawks avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
