Niles North is 0-4 against Loyola Academy since March of 2015 but things could change on Thursday. The Niles North Vikings will be playing in front of their home fans against the Loyola Academy Ramblers at 4:45 p.m. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.
Niles North is looking to give their home crowd another W after opening their season at home on Tuesday. They put the hurt on Payton College Prep with a sharp 16-1 win.
Isla Kapellas
| 03/18/25 vs Payton College Prep | 4 |
| 03/19/24 vs Regina Dominican | 2 |
| 03/15/24 vs Amundsen | 2 |
| 03/12/24 vs Rolling Meadows | 2 |
| 05/18/24 vs Jones | 1 |
Isla Kapellas made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out nine over four innings pitched. Kapellas was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with three runs, four RBI, and two doubles. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Alexis Ochonicki was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-3. What's more, she posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Amaya Kang, who scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in two of her three plate appearances.
Niles North always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .593. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Payton College Prep only posted an OBP of .267.
Meanwhile, while Loyola Academy put up some runs on Tuesday, the same can't be said for Glenbrook South. Loyola Academy was the clear victors by a 6-0 margin over Glenbrook South. The Ramblers haven't had any issues with the Titans recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive victory against them.
Hunter Lewis was a major factor no matter where she played. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 18 over seven innings pitched. Furthermore, she didn't allow a single hit, the first time she has blanked an opponent since back in May of 2024. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one RBI.
Lewis wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Emilia Bartholomew, who scored two runs while going 1-for-3.
Niles North might still be hurting after the 10-0 defeat they got from Loyola Academy in their previous meeting back in June of 2021. Will Niles North have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
