The Pioneer Panthers will square off against the Delphi Community Oracles at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The two teams are strolling into their matchups after big wins in their previous games.
Pioneer barely beat North Judson-San Pierre the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Panthers never let the Bluejays get on the board and left with a 6-0 victory on Thursday. The Panthers not only won on Thursday, but they posted their biggest win since April 7th (when they won 12-2).
The result came thanks to Lois Layer's shutout, as she gave up just seven hits and racked up nine Ks. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances.
Averi Layer
| 04/30/26 vs North Judson-San Pierre | 3 |
| 04/25/26 vs Tippecanoe Valley | 1 |
| 04/25/26 vs Tri-County | 2 |
| 04/23/26 @ Kankakee Valley | 1 |
| 04/22/26 vs Kouts | 1 |
| + 7 more games |
On the hitting side, Ava Beasy and Averi Layer did most of the damage at the plate: Beasy went 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI, while Averi went 3-for-4 with three RBI and two doubles. That's the most hits Layer has posted since back in May of 2025. Another player making a difference was Madyson Shaffer, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Pioneer kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Delphi Community made easy work of Clinton Central on Wednesday and carried off a 9-0 win. The result was nothing new for the Oracles, who have now won six games by seven runs or more so far this season.
Alyissa Stier made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Stier was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two runs.
In other batting news, Delphi Community let Sami Leopard and Mady Anderson run wild. Leopard went 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, two RBI, and one run, while Anderson went 3-for-4 with three RBI, one run, and one double. Kayi Anderson was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two runs.
The victory made it two in a row for Pioneer and bumps their season record up to 4-7. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 0 runs in those games. As for Delphi Community, their victory bumped their record up to 8-4.
Pioneer couldn't quite finish off Delphi Community in their previous meeting back in April of 2025 and fell 8-6. Will the Panthers 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.
