Softball Game Preview: Belvidere North Blue Thunder vs. Guilford Vikings

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Previous Games

05/06/25 - Away	16-3 W
04/29/24 - Home	3-0 W
04/08/24 - Away	14-2 W
05/17/23 - Home	4-1 W
04/26/23 - Away	6-1 W
+ 5 more games

Belvidere North is a perfect 10-0 against Guilford since May of 2019 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Blue Thunder will host the Vikings at 5:00 p.m. Belvidere North is coming into the match hot, having won their last 15 games.

Belvidere North played against Rockford East on Wednesday and won via forfeit.

Having struggled with three losses in a row, Guilford turned things around against Boylan Catholic on Thursday. They were the clear victors by an 8-2 margin over the Titans. The Vikings not only won on Thursday, but they posted their biggest win since April 21st (when they won 10-2).

Malia Welch was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out 11 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off seven hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 4-for-5 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March.

In other batting news, Amiyah Wyrick was excellent, going 3-for-4 with two runs and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April. Leah Hunter was another key player, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with two runs.

Belvidere North's win was their ninth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 21-9. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.6 runs over those games. As for Guilford, their win bumped their record up to 9-19.

Belvidere North took their victory against Guilford in their previous matchup on May 6th by a conclusive 16-3 score. Will the Blue Thunder repeat their success, or do the Vikings have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.