Softball Game Preview: Wheeler Bearcats vs. Illiana Christian Vikings

For the first time this season, Wheeler will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will face off against the Illiana Christian Vikings at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Wheeler has given up an average of 7.8 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Wheeler came up short against Kankakee Valley on Friday, falling 15-6. The defeat continues a trend for the Bearcats in their meetings with the Kougars: they've now lost nine in a row.

Wheeler saw eight different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Cadence Piunti, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-2. Ashlynne Trinidad was another, scoring a run while going 1-for-2.

Meanwhile, Illiana Christian had to kick off their season on the road on Friday, but they showed no ill effects. They put the hurt on Portage with a sharp 16-3 victory.

Cayden Petersen made a splash no matter where she played. She pitched six innings while giving up three earned runs off seven hits. Petersen was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Lydia VanderWoude, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 4-for-4. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Mya VanderWoude, who scored two runs while going 1-for-3.

Illiana Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .611. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Portage only posted an OBP of .357.

Wheeler's loss dropped their record down to 2-2. As for Illiana Christian, their record is now 1-0.

Wheeler couldn't quite get it done against Illiana Christian when the teams last played back in April of 2024 as they fell 8-4. Can the Bearcats avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.