Softball Recap: Hanover Central Comes Up Short

Hanover Central extended their losing streak to four on Wednesday, dropping their season record down to 11-12 in the process. They took a 5-1 hit to the loss column at the hands of the New Prairie Cougars. The Wildcats were not able to make up for their defeat to the Cougars from their previous meeting back in June of 2023.

Hanover Central got a good showing from Claire Edgerton, who struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. What's more, Edgerton gave up only two walks, the fewest she's had since back in May of 2024.

At the plate, Hanover Central saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Kaylee Blocker, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with one run and one double.

As for New Prairie, they are on a roll lately: they've won nine of their last ten games. That's provided a nice bump to their 20-6 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.8 runs on average over those games.

On New Prairie's side, Ava Geyer made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 11 over four innings pitched. Geyer has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in 16 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double.

In other batting news, Ella Chelminiak was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two runs and one double.

Hanover Central and New Prairie are set to take part in some playoff action in their next matches. The Wildcats will challenge Illiana Christian at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. As for New Prairie, they will look to defend their home field on Friday against Portage at 5:00 p.m.