Softball Game Preview: Cloverleaf Colts vs. Firestone Falcons

The Cloverleaf Colts will head out to face off against the Firestone Falcons at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Cloverleaf is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.5 runs per game this season.

Cloverleaf barely beat Woodridge the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Colts' pitcher stepped up to hand the Bulldogs a 6-0 shutout on Tuesday. While the Colts didn't have the best season last year (they finished 4-21), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.

Not much got past Alyson Croft, who gave up just four hits to keep Woodridge off the board. Croft has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up a single earned run in three consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Cloverleaf got a big performance out of Aubrey Willig, who went 2-for-3 with one home run. Kennedie Prok also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.

Meanwhile, Firestone unfortunately witnessed the end of their three-game winning streak on Wednesday. They lost 12-0 to Ellet. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since March 25, 2025, but that streak is no more.

The victory made it two in a row for Cloverleaf and bumps their season record up to 7-3. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 1 runs in those games. As for Firestone, their defeat was their first in the conference, dropping their conference record down to 3-1 and their overall record down to 5-3.

Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Cloverleaf has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .486. However, it's not like Firestone struggles in that department as they've averaged .564. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Cloverleaf got the 'W' when the teams last played back in March against Firestone by a conclusive 13-0 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Colts since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.