Neuqua Valley extended their losing streak to three on Wednesday, dropping their season record down to 11-12 in the process. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 3-2 heartbreaker at the hands of the Naperville North Huskies. Surprisingly, this marked the Wildcats' sixth straight game in which the away team has come away the victor.
Neuqua Valley got a good showing from Ava Drehs, who struck out seven batters over 3.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). That's the fewest hits Drehs has allowed over her last nine games.
At the plate, Nalia Clifford was cooking despite her team's loss, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
As for Naperville North, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-16 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.5 runs on average over those games.
On Naperville North's side, Gabi Chmiel spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on five hits and racked up 12 Ks. Chmiel has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in six consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Naperville North saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Sara Rossi, who went 1-for-3 with one run.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Neuqua Valley will welcome Naperville Central at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Wildcats' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Redhawks have averaged an impressive 7.8 runs per game this season. As for Naperville North, they will be playing at home against Kaneland at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
