Round Lake hasn't had much luck against Grayslake North recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Panthers will welcome the Knights at 4:45 p.m. Round Lake has given up an average of 12.5 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Round Lake is headed into Thursday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Tuesday. They lost 11-1 to Lakes.
Piper Berry
| 04/15/25 vs Lakes | 10 |
| 04/10/25 @ Grayslake Central | 5 |
| 04/08/25 vs Grant Community | 7 |
| 04/01/25 @ Aurora East | 9 |
Piper Berry was huge no matter where she played even without the win. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and nine unearned) runs off nine hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with one home run.
Meanwhile, Grayslake North had already won four in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 7.8 runs) and they went ahead and made it five on Tuesday. They came out on top against the Bulldogs by a score of 8-4. While the Knights didn't have the best season last year (they finished 6-20), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Like Round Lake, Grayslake North also got a great game from a two-way player: Riley O'Brien. She struck out 16 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off seven hits. With that strong performance, O'Brien is now averaging an impressive 5.8 strikeouts per game. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one home run.
In other batting news, Brena Dalton was incredible, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. Another player making a difference was Alyson Alvarenga, who scored two runs while going 2-for-4.
Grayslake North kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are a perfect 7-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Round Lake's defeat dropped their record down to 1-3. As for Grayslake North, their victory bumped their record up to 9-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Round Lake has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Grayslake North struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Round Lake might still be hurting after the 20-3 loss they got from Grayslake North in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
