Softball Recap: Highland Takes a Loss

Highland had lost six straight at home, but on Thursday they dropped their record down to 4-17 to make it seven. They fell 7-2 to the Breese Central Cougars. The Bulldogs were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Cougars apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in May of 2023.

Lucy Becker made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with one run and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Gracie Nikonovich, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one run.

As for Breese Central, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 8-19. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 6 runs in those games.

On Breese Central's side, Madison Ahle was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off 11 hits. Ahle has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one stolen base and one run. That stolen base marked the first that she has snagged this season.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Cece Toennies, who fired off two home runs while going 3-for-4. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April. Taylor Trame was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.

Highland and Breese Central could both be facing uphill battles in their next games considering their disadvantage in the MaxPreps Illinois Rankings. The Bulldogs (ranked 338th) will meet Centralia (ranked 46th) at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Meanwhile, Breese Central will challenge Belleville East at 4:30 p.m. on Friday with a big rank disadvantage (392 vs. 81).