Illinois Valley Central hasn't had much luck against Tolono Unity recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Grey Ghosts will welcome the Rockets at 5:00 p.m. Illinois Valley Central is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.5 runs per game this season.
Illinois Valley Central managed to slip by Lexington the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Grey Ghosts lost 13-5 to the Minutemen on Tuesday.
Morgan Ellington was cooking despite her team's loss, going 1-for-4 with one home run. Abby Bazyn was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Tolono Unity entered their tilt with St. Joseph-Ogden on Thursday with three consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with four. They skirted past the Spartans 5-3. The game was the first time the Rockets have beaten the Spartans on their field since June 4, 2021.
Lindy Bates made a big impact no matter where she played. She struck out six batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off nine hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Grace Bickers was excellent, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. That stolen base was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Shelby Smith, who went 2-for-3 with one run and one double.
Tolono Unity's win was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 23-4. The road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.0 run on average over those games. As for Illinois Valley Central, their loss dropped their record down to 15-11.
Illinois Valley Central suffered a grim 11-2 defeat to Tolono Unity in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Will the Grey Ghosts have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
