Softball Recap: Make It Three in a Row for Chesterton

Chesterton barely beat Valparaiso the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Trojans blew past the Vikings 14-6 on Tuesday. The Trojans might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four matchups by eight runs or more this season.

Hannah Florian

Runs (Career)

04/22/25 @ Valparaiso	3
04/19/25 @ Illiana Christian	2
04/08/25 @ Michigan City	2
05/14/24 vs Merrillville	2
04/17/24 @ Merrillville	2

Payton Cherep and Hannah Florian were major factors while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Cherep struck out six batters over six innings while giving up four earned (and two unearned) runs off 12 hits (and only one walk). Meanwhile, Florian tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs off one hit. At bat, Cherep went 3-for-5 with one home run, while Florian went 3-for-5 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI. Those three runs gave Florian a new career-high.

In other batting news, Jillienne Pittman was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. That home run was her first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Lexi Smith, who got on base in three of her five plate appearances with one home run and four RBI.

Chesterton kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 20 hits. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post 11 or more hits.

The victory (which was Chesterton's third in a row) raised their record to 4-5. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.7 runs on average over those games. As for Valparaiso, their loss was their sixth straight at home, which dropped their record down to 6-7.

We've got plenty of inter-conference action coming up soon. Chesterton will take on rival Merrillville at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Valparaiso is set to face off against their familiar foe Lake Central at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.