Softball Game Preview: Normal University Pioneers vs. Kaneland Knights

The Normal University Pioneers will face off against the Kaneland Knights at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Normal University was handed a seven-run loss in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Friday. They won by a run and slipped past East Moline United 6-5. The Pioneers haven't had any issues with the Panthers recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.

The team relied heavily on Emmerson Steward, who went 1-for-2 with one home run and two RBI. Molly Jones was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.

Meanwhile, Kaneland waltzed into their matchup on Friday with two straight wins... but they left with three. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Indians a 4-0 shutout. While the Knights didn't have the best season last year (they finished 11-14), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.

Natalie Naab was excellent, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs and one RBI.

Kaneland's victory bumped their record up to 9-4. As for Normal University, their win bumped their record up to 5-8.

Everything went Normal University's way against Kaneland in their previous meeting back in April of 2024, as Normal University made off with a 12-0 victory. Will the Pioneers repeat their success, or do the Knights have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.