Softball Game Preview: Metea Valley Mustangs vs. Neuqua Valley Wildcats

The Metea Valley Mustangs will head out on the road to face off against the Neuqua Valley Wildcats at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Metea Valley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.5 runs per game this season.

On Saturday, Metea Valley made easy work of Hinsdale South and carried off a 19-6 victory.

Charlie Benesh

Home Runs (Career)

04/12/25 @ Hinsdale South	3
03/26/25 @ Glenbard North	1
03/24/25 vs Batavia	1
04/25/24 vs Naperville North	1
03/12/24 @ Plainfield Central	1

Charlie Benesh was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over seven innings while giving up four earned (and two unearned) runs off eight hits. Benesh was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off three home runs, five runs, and five RBI while going 4-for-5. Those three home runs gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Grace Feeley was a standout: she scored three runs while going 2-for-5. Sydney Eakin was another key player, scoring two runs while going 2-for-4.

Metea Valley kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 16 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in five consecutive matchups.

Meanwhile, Neuqua Valley didn't have quite enough to beat West Aurora on Friday and fell 3-2.

Ava Drehs spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and two unearned) runs on four hits and racked up 15 Ks. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season.

On the hitting side, Neuqua Valley saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Hannah Toomey, who went 1-for-2 with two RBI and one double. Esha Argawal also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.

Metea Valley's win ended a five-game drought on the road and puts them at 3-8. As for Neuqua Valley, their loss dropped their record down to 3-6.

Metea Valley couldn't quite finish off Neuqua Valley in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 and fell 3-1. Can the Mustangs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.