Softball Game Preview: Harlem Huskies vs. Belvidere North Blue Thunder

The Harlem Huskies will face off against the Belvidere North Blue Thunder at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Harlem came out on top against Woodstock North on Saturday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run fourth inning. The Huskies walked away with an 8-5 win over the Thunder.

Meanwhile, Belvidere North had already won three in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 8.3 runs) and they went ahead and made it four on Wednesday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand the Vikings a 4-0 shutout.

Avery Benzel was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March.

Benzel wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Ava Morris, who went 1-for-3 with one double and one RBI.

Harlem's victory bumped their record up to 14-5. As for Belvidere North, their win bumped their record up to 10-6.

Harlem might still be hurting after the 11-0 loss they got from Belvidere North in their previous meeting back in May of 2025. Will the Huskies 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.