Softball Game Preview: Prairie Central Hawks vs. St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans

Prairie Central is 0-7 against St. Joseph-Ogden since May of 2017 but things could change on Monday. The Hawks will challenge the Spartans at 4:30 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

Prairie Central was handed a heart-breaking two-run defeat in their last matchup, but they sure didn't let that happen against Rantoul on Thursday. The Hawks were the clear victors by a 9-1 margin over the Eagles.

Sam Slagel was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most RBI she has posted over her last 12 games. Rylee Galloway was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.

St. Joseph-Ogden hadn't beaten Mattoon on the road since April 15, 2022 but that history sure didn't bother them on Friday. The Spartans blew past the Greenwave 16-4.

St. Joseph-Ogden has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won ten of their last 11 contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 12-5 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.6 runs over those games. As for Prairie Central, the victory got them back to even at 10-10.

Prairie Central suffered a grim 10-4 defeat to St. Joseph-Ogden in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Hawks avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.