Softball Game Preview: Beecher Bobcats vs. Clifton Central Comets

Beecher has gone a perfect 10-0 against Clifton Central recently and they'll look to pad the win column further on Tuesday. The Bobcats will welcome the Comets at 4:30 p.m. Considering both teams were shutout in their prior games, the pair is probably coming into this one with something to prove.

Beecher is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Illinois' top teams: Lincoln-Way East, who was ranked third at the time (Beecher was ranked 15th). The Bobcats came up short against the Griffins on Monday, falling 6-0. The match marked the first time this year in which the Bobcats were not able to get on the board.

Taylor Norkus

Batters Struck Out

04/28/25 vs Lincoln-Way East	5
04/26/25 vs Kewanee	8
04/24/25 vs Wilmington	11
04/22/25 vs Illinois Lutheran	8
04/19/25 vs Momence	10
04/14/25 @ Mt. Zion	9

Taylor Norkus spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and two unearned) runs on 11 hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in six consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Beecher saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Ava Lorenzatti, who went 2-for-3 with one double.

Meanwhile, Clifton Central fell victim to Gardner-South Wilmington and their airtight pitching crew on Thursday. They lost 6-0 to the Panthers. The Comets have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Clifton Central also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Sydney Jemar gave up four earned (and two unearned) runs on five hits and racked up eight Ks.

Clifton Central's loss was their first in the conference, dropping their conference record down to 7-1 and their overall record down to 12-8-1. As for Beecher, their defeat was their first of the season and makes their record 21-1.

Both the two teams just can't seem to miss. Beecher has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 11.2 hits per game. However, it's not like Clifton Central struggles in that department as they've been averaging only 5.1 hits. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Beecher took their win against Clifton Central when the teams last played back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 15-0 score. Will the Bobcats repeat their success, or do the Comets have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.