Softball Recap: Salem Triumphs

While Salem's win against Mattoon wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Wildcats never let the Greenwave get on the board and left with a 2-0 victory on Thursday. The win continues a trend for the Wildcats in their matchups with the Greenwave: they've now won three in a row.

Kenley Cripps

Earned Runs

05/14/26 vs Mattoon	0
05/12/26 vs Richland County	1
05/08/26 vs Columbia	1

Not much got past Kenley Cripps, who gave up just six hits to keep Mattoon off the board. Cripps has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances.

Salem's record is now 9-18. As for Mattoon, their defeat ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 9-13.

Salem and Mattoon could both be facing uphill battles in their next games considering their disadvantage in the MaxPreps Illinois Rankings. The Wildcats will square off against Greenville at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday with a big rank disadvantage (334 vs. 134). Meanwhile, Mattoon (ranked 239th) will meet Effingham (ranked 107th) at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday.