Northside is 0-10 against Lane Tech since April of 2017 but things could change on Saturday. The Mustangs will challenge the Champions at 1:00 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
On Thursday, Northside got the win against Lake View by a conclusive 22-2. The win continues a trend for the Mustangs in their matchups with the Wildcats: they've now won four in a row.
Ella Breving
| 05/07/26 vs Lake View | 6 |
| 05/06/26 @ Lincoln Park | 0 |
| 05/05/26 vs Von Steuben | 5 |
| 04/30/26 vs Taft | 2 |
| 04/22/26 vs Payton College Prep | 1 |
| + 9 more games |
Ella Breving made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in March. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 4-for-4 with six RBI, four runs, and two doubles. She is also on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ashley Rodriguez, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs, four RBI, and two doubles. She continues to improve, besting her previous run total in each of the last three games she's played. Eliza Patras also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Northside always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .694. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Lane Tech had already proven themselves in the regular season and they didn't miss a beat now that it's playoff time. They were the clear victors by a 24-2 margin over Chicago Washington on Friday. The Champions might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won ten games by nine runs or more this season.
Chloe Gonzalez was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). Gonzalez was also big at the plate, getting on base in two of her three plate appearances with three runs.
In other batting news, Olivia Segura was excellent, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four runs, and two stolen bases. She continues to improve, besting her previous run total in each of the last three games she's played. Alison Mahoney was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
Northside's record is now 7-8-1. As for Lane Tech, their record now sits at 16-8.
Saturday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Northside hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .331. However, it's not like Lane Tech struggles in that department as they've averaged .346. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Northside suffered a grim 12-0 defeat to Lane Tech when the teams last played back in March. Can the Mustangs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
