Softball Recap: Illinois Valley Central Has No Trouble Against Midland

Illinois Valley Central's game last Thursday was a loss, but they didn't let that memory haunt them on Friday. They blew past the Midland Timberwolves 18-3. That looming 18-3 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Grey Ghosts yet this season.

Jensyn Gustafson

Base on Balls Against

03/28/25 @ Midland	1
03/25/25 vs Streator	1
03/21/25 @ Princeton	2

Jensyn Gustafson made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off eight hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with one RBI.

In other batting news, Illinois Valley Central let Morgan Ellington and Joharah Boze run wild. Ellington went 3-for-4 with one triple, two RBI, and one run, while Boze scored three runs while going 2-for-4. That triple was Ellington's first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Abby Bazyn, who scored a run while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances.

Illinois Valley Central kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 16 hits. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post 11 or more hits.

The victory got Illinois Valley Central back to even at 3-3. As for Midland, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 2-4.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Illinois Valley Central will challenge St. Joseph-Ogden at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. As for Midland, they will square off against Lexington at 4:30 p.m. on Monday.