Softball Game Preview: DeKalb Barbs vs. Naperville North Huskies

Barbs

Runs

04/23/25 @ Metea Valley	6
04/21/25 vs Neuqua Valley	2
04/16/25 vs Naperville Central	4
04/14/25 @ Waubonsie Valley	8
04/12/25 vs Stillman Valley	9
+ 8 more games

DeKalb hasn't had much luck against Naperville North recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Barbs will host the Huskies at 4:30 p.m. DeKalb is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.

DeKalb is headed into Friday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Wednesday. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 7-6 heartbreaker at the hands of Metea Valley.

Hazel Montavon was cooking despite her team's loss, going 3-for-4 with three runs and one double.

For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Naperville North and Neuqua Valley meet (four straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Wednesday. The Huskies fell 11-7 to the Wildcats.

Sara Rossi made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 4-for-6 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. She has been hot, having posted at least one stolen base the last six times she's played. Another player making a difference was Faelin Bretag, who went 3-for-5 with two runs and one double.

Naperville North dropped their record down to 2-13 with the defeat, which was their 11th straight at home dating back to last season. As for DeKalb, their loss dropped their record down to 8-5.

Naperville North's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: DeKalb hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .330. It's a different story for Naperville North, though, as they've only averaged .234. Will they be able to contain DeKalb's hitters?

DeKalb was able to grind out a solid win over Naperville North in their previous meeting two weeks ago, winning 7-4. Will the Barbs repeat their success, or do the Huskies have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.