Wheeler is on a five-game streak of home wins, while Westville is on a five-game streak of away wins (dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Bearcats will host the Blackhawks at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Wheeler's pitching crew heads into the match hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Tuesday. They blew past Lake Station Edison 13-0.
Nora Howell
| 05/06/25 vs Lake Station Edison | 12 |
| 04/29/25 vs River Forest | 6 |
| 04/28/25 @ River Forest | 9 |
| 05/13/24 vs Lake Station Edison | 8 |
| 05/07/24 vs Calumet New Tech | 14 |
Nora Howell was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 12 over five innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in May of 2024. She was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, two doubles, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Olivia Hessling was a standout: she went a perfect 2-for-2 with two triples, three RBI, and two runs. Those two triples gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Abby Allen, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
Wheeler always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .862. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Westville got the win against Tri-Township on Wednesday by a conclusive 13-0. The win continues a trend for the Blackhawks in their matchups with the Tigers: they've now won five in a row.
Like Wheeler, Westville also got a great game from a two-way player: Kierstin Vargas. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out 12 over five innings pitched. Vargas has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, Kiersten Vaughan was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. She has been hot recently, having posted three or more hits the last three times she's played. Maddison Cole was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Wheeler is on a roll lately: they've won eight of their last nine contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 11-4 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.1 runs on average over those games. As for Westville, their win bumped their record up to 9-2.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Wheeler has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Westville struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 10.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
