Softball Recap: Catholic Central Puts Losing Streak Behind Them

Catholic Central had lost four straight, but after bumping their record up to 4-6 on Thursday that streak is in the rearview. They had just enough and edged out the Lake Country Lutheran Lightning 8-7. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Hilltoppers have posted since May 13, 2025.

Avery Bauer

Runs Batted In (Career)

04/23/26 vs Lake Country Lutheran	4
05/08/25 vs St. Francis	3
04/07/26 @ Randolph	2
05/15/25 @ Living Word Lutheran	2
04/18/26 @ Beloit Memorial	1

The team relied heavily on Avery Bauer, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high.

Catholic Central always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .514. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Lake Country Lutheran only posted an OBP of .343.

As for Lake Country Lutheran, they now have a losing record of 2-3. The defeat continues a trend for them in their meetings with Catholic Central: they've now lost seven in a row.

On Lake Country Lutheran's side, Ava Budnik was huge no matter where she played even without the win. She struck out seven batters over 2.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. Budnik has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. Those stolen bases were her first of the season.

In other batting news, Lillian Wehmeier and Grace Sonnleitner did some serious damage despite the final result: Wehmeier went 3-for-4 with one stolen base and two RBI, while Sonnleitner got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one run and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Leah Budnik, who went 1-for-4 with two runs and one stolen base.

Catholic Central didn't take long to hit the field again: they've already played their next contest, a 19-6 loss against Luther Prep on the 28th. As for Lake Country Lutheran, they also wasted no time getting back out on the field and have already played their next matchup, an 8-2 win against Delavan-Darien on the 24th.