The Rolling Meadows Mustangs will face off against the Wheeling Wildcats at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday. Rolling Meadows is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.6 runs per game this season.
Rolling Meadows took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Wednesday. Everything went their way against Maine East as they made off with a 26-3 win. The Mustangs haven't had any issues with the Blue Demons recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive victory against them.
Mary Linker made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, she posted four strikeouts, the most she's had since back in April of 2025. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI and two runs.
In other batting news, Sophia Rappa was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and two doubles. Those two doubles gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Taya Rozanski, who went 3-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Rolling Meadows was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .658. They are 6-1 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Wheeling was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost a 3-1 heartbreaker at the hands of Elk Grove. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Wildcats have suffered since May 7, 2025.
Wheeling saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Alaina Costello, who went 3-for-4 with one run.
Rolling Meadows' win bumped their record up to 8-13. As for Wheeling, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-7.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Rolling Meadows hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .321. However, it's not like Wheeling struggles in that department as they've averaged .332. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Rolling Meadows couldn't quite finish off Wheeling in their previous meeting on April 9th and fell 9-7. Will the Mustangs 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.
