South Medford is a perfect 10-0 against Willamette since April of 2017 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Monday. The Panthers will take on the Wolverines at 4:00 p.m. South Medford's pitching crew has only allowed 3.4 runs per game this season, so Willamette's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
South Medford will bounce into Monday's contest after beating Sheldon, who they had gone 2-7 against in their nine prior meetings. The Panthers came out on top against the Irish by a score of 9-6 on Saturday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Panthers.
Jordan Knutson was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 12 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and five unearned) runs off six hits. Knutson was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one RBI.
Aubree Joe
| 05/03/25 vs Sheldon | 3 |
| 05/03/25 vs Sheldon | 2 |
| 04/22/25 @ Sprague | 2 |
| 04/12/25 vs South Eugene | 2 |
| 04/12/25 vs South Eugene | 2 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Aubree Joe, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI and one double. Those three hits gave her a new career-high. Luna Burns also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
South Medford was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .393. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Sheldon only posted a batting average of .233.
Meanwhile, Willamette suffered their closest loss since April 12, 2024 on Saturday. They fell just short of South Eugene by a score of 10-8.
Cabbi Eads was cooking despite her team's loss, going 3-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and one double. Delaney Smith was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three runs and one triple.
South Medford's record is now 11-7. As for Willamette, they have been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 8-10 record this season.
Monday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. South Medford hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .364. However, it's not like Willamette struggles in that department as they've averaged .343. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went South Medford's way against Willamette when the teams last played back in May of 2024, as South Medford made off with a 10-0 victory. Will the Panthers repeat their success, or do the Wolverines have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
