Softball Game Preview: Oswego Panthers vs. Sycamore Spartans

The Oswego Panthers are taking a road trip to challenge the Sycamore Spartans at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Both teams are still undefeated (Oswego has eight wins dating back to last season, while Sycamore has three).

Oswego is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They were the clear victors by a 19-4 margin over Downers Grove South on Thursday. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the team's high-flying offense, the game also marked the team's biggest win of the season.

Jaelynn Anthony was a major factor no matter where she played. She pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with one double and one RBI. That double marked the first that she hit this season.

In other batting news, Leah McKenzie was a standout: she went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That home run was her first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Aubriella Garza, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.

Meanwhile, after only one run in their last matchup, Sycamore made sure to put some runs up on the board against North Boone on Thursday. The Spartans put the hurt on the Vikings with a sharp 12-1 victory.

Sycamore's win was their 12th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 3-0. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.1 runs over those games. As for Oswego, their record is now 7-0.

Oswego skirted past Sycamore 8-7 in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Panthers since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.