Softball Recap: Highland Comes Up Short

Highland extended their losing streak to 14 on Monday, dropping their season record down to 4-19 in the process. They came up short against the Mt. Vernon Rams, falling 8-0. The Bulldogs were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Rams apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in May of 2023.

As for Mt. Vernon, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 13-10. Considering they have won seven matches by more than five runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.

For Mt. Vernon's part, their victory was truly a team effort as five different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Taylor DeSmith, who went 3-for-4 with four RBI, one triple, and one run. That's the most hits DeSmith has posted since back in March. Arwin Wilkey was another, going 2-for-4 with two runs.

Highland and Mt. Vernon could both be facing uphill battles in their next games considering their disadvantage in the MaxPreps Illinois Rankings. The Bulldogs will square off against Mascoutah at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday with a big rank disadvantage (357 vs. 136). Meanwhile, Mt. Vernon (ranked 155th) will meet Effingham (ranked 37th) at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.