Softball Recap: Shepard Takes a Loss

Shepard dropped their record down to 21-5 on Saturday, which also ended the team's three-game streak of wins on the road. They fell just short of the Lyons Lions by a score of 3-2. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Astros of the 3-1 loss they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in May of 2024.

As for Lyons, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 9-13. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 6.5 runs over those games.

For Lyons' part, Ellie Cook and Lucy Lee dominated on the mound. Cook tossed three innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits, while Lee pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Lee has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Ava Jacklin was excellent, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and three runs. Those three runs gave her a new career-high.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Shepard will challenge Richards at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. As for Lyons, they will take on Proviso West at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. The Panthers have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 17.25 runs per game on average), something the Lions will no doubt try to take advantage of.