The Kaneland Knights will square off against the Oswego Panthers at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Kaneland is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.
Kaneland was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last matchup, but they sure didn't let that happen against Rochelle on Wednesday. The Knights blew past the Hubs 18-3. The win continues a trend for the Knights in their matchups with the Hubs: they've now won seven in a row.
Riley Cooper made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up three earned runs off four hits. Those seven strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season.
Natalie Naab
| 04/08/26 @ Rochelle | 3 |
| 05/17/25 @ DeKalb | 2 |
| 04/16/25 vs Rochelle | 2 |
| 04/04/25 @ Johnson Central | 2 |
| 03/24/25 vs Central | 2 |
In other batting news, Kaneland got a massive performance out of Natalie Naab, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one double. Those three RBI gave Naab a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Lillyana Crawford, who got on base in three of her five plate appearances with one home run and two runs.
Kaneland always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .548. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Oswego, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They skirted past Plainfield East 3-2. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Panthers have posted since June 3, 2025.
The team relied heavily on Ahlivia East, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base, one run, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Kennedy Gengler, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBI.
Oswego's win bumped their record up to 4-7. As for Kaneland, they now have a winning record of 4-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Kaneland has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Oswego struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Kaneland suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Oswego in their previous meeting back in March of 2017. Will the Knights 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.
