Softball Game Preview: Delavan Panthers vs. Peoria Heights Patriots

The Delavan Panthers will head out on the road to challenge the Peoria Heights Patriots at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Peoria Heights took a loss in their last game and will be looking to turn the tables on Delavan, who comes in off a win.

Delavan barely beat Midwest Central/Illini Central the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Panthers put the hurt on the Raiders with a sharp 8-2 win on Wednesday.

Lainey Klokkenga

Batters Struck Out

04/16/25 @ Midwest Central/Illini Central	10
04/14/25 @ Illini Bluffs	5
04/12/25 vs Orion	6
04/12/25 vs Seymour	10
04/11/25 vs Astoria/VIT	10
+ 4 more games

Lainey Klokkenga made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off eight hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in nine consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one home run and three runs.

In other batting news, Addi Fisher was excellent, scoring two runs while going 1-for-4. She also hit a double, marking her first of the season. Jayley Fisher was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one double and one RBI.

Meanwhile, Peoria Heights was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their seventh straight defeat dating back to last season. They came up short against Richwoods, falling 23-0.

Peoria Heights' loss dropped their record down to 0-3. As for Delavan, their victory ended a four-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 5-7.

Delavan took their win against Peoria Heights when the teams last played back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 17-2 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Panthers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.