The Normal University Pioneers will challenge the Glenwood Titans at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Normal University has given up an average of 6.7 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Normal University came up short against Olympia on Monday, falling 21-6. The Pioneers haven't had much luck with the Spartans recently, as the team has come up short the last seven times they've met.
Emmerson Steward and Ava Plattner stepped up to the plate in a big way. Steward went 2-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI, while Plattner went 1-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. That home run was Plattner's first of the season. Avery Moody was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs.
Meanwhile, Glenwood came tearing into last Saturday's matchup with six straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 8.2 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They never let the Vikings get on the board and left with an 11-0 victory. The result was nothing new for the Titans, who have now won ten contests by six runs or more so far this season.
The result came thanks to Alyvia Streb's shutout, as she gave up just four hits and racked up nine Ks.
At the plate, Kailyn Barry was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. Those three runs gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Ryleigh Kiel, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
Glenwood kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least ten hits in seven consecutive games.
Glenwood's win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 16-1. Those road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.7 runs on average over those games. As for Normal University, their loss dropped their record down to 10-13.
Normal University might still be hurting after the 10-0 defeat they got from Glenwood in their previous matchup back in March. Will the Pioneers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
