Softball Recap: Effingham Picks Up Sixth Consecutive Win

Hearts

Margin (Wins)

05/08/25 @ Taylorville	20
05/08/25 @ Taylorville	20
04/09/25 @ Marshall	12
04/22/25 vs Mattoon	10
04/28/25 @ Teutopolis	8

Effingham barely beat Flora the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Hearts were the clear victors by a 7-1 margin over the Wolves on Friday. The result was nothing new for the Hearts, who have now won eight matches by six runs or more so far this season.

Natalie Armstrong made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over seven innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 15 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and one double.

In other batting news, Ryley Engel was incredible, going 2-for-3 with four stolen bases and three runs. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in April of 2024. Sidney Donaldson was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.

The victory was the sixth in a row for Effingham, bringing their record up to 15-6. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.0 runs over those games. As for Flora, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 10-10 record this season.

Effingham wasted no time getting back out on the field and has already played their next contest, a 10-0 victory against Pinckneyville on the 9th. As for Flora, they will square off against Edwards County at 4:30 p.m. on Monday.