Softball Game Preview: Willowbrook Warriors vs. Addison Trail Blazers

Willowbrook and Addison Trail are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2019, but likely not for long. The Warriors will square off against the Blazers at 4:45 p.m. on Monday. Willowbrook is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.8 runs per game this season.

Willowbrook is headed into the game having just posted their closest victory since April 9th on Saturday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with an 11-10 win over Bolingbrook. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Warriors considering their one-run performance the contest before.

Isabel Bates

Batters Struck Out

05/10/25 vs Bolingbrook	6
05/08/25 @ York	6
05/05/25 @ Downers Grove South	6
05/02/25 vs Proviso East	6

Isabel Bates made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and eight unearned) runs off six hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in May of 2024.

In other batting news, Willowbrook let Liz Pettinger and Marli Smrz run wild. Pettinger went a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base, while Smrz went 2-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. That's the most RBI Smrz has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Sonia Ruchala, who went 2-for-3 with one home run and two RBI.

Meanwhile, Addison Trail suffered their biggest loss since March 18th on Saturday. They lost 15-0 to Naperville North. The Blazers' defeat signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.

Willowbrook pushed their record up to 13-9 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.3 runs over those games. As for Addison Trail, their loss dropped their record down to 13-10.

Willowbrook came out on top in a nail-biter against Addison Trail in their previous meeting back in May of 2024, sneaking past 11-10. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Warriors since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.