Softball Recap: Sherrard Takes a Loss

Sherrard extended their losing streak to three on Monday, dropping their season record down to 18-8 in the process. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 9-8 heartbreaker at the hands of the East Moline United Panthers. The Tigers were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Panthers apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in May of 2024.

Tessa Driessens and Makenzy Moran stepped up to the plate in a big way. Driessens went 1-for-2 with one home run, while Moran went 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI. That triple marked the first that Moran has hit this season. Nadia Anderson was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two RBI and one double.

As for East Moline United, they are on a roll lately: they've won six of their last eight matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 14-9 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.6 runs over those games.

On East Moline United's side, Samantha Verstraete made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Verstraete has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with one stolen base and two RBI.

In other batting news, Kendall Crawford was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run and three runs. Those four hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Miah Berhenke, who went 3-for-4 with one run.

Sherrard and East Moline United should be looking forward to their upcoming games as both have a sizable advantage in the MaxPreps Illinois Rankings. The Tigers (ranked 103rd) will meet Orion (ranked 403rd) at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Meanwhile, East Moline United will take on Moline at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday with a big rank advantage (83 vs. 225).