Clifton Central hasn't had much luck against Manteno recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Comets will look to defend their home field against the Panthers at 4:30 p.m. Manteno took a loss in their last matchup and will be looking to turn the tables on Clifton Central, who comes in off a win.
While Clifton Central's win against Donovan wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Comets sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 6-5 victory over the Wildcats on Tuesday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Comets.
| 04/21/26 @ Donovan | 1 |
| 04/16/26 @ Beecher | 1 |
| 04/08/26 vs Reed-Custer | 2 |
| 04/06/26 vs Pontiac | 0 |
Chloe Cotter made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over three innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with one home run. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season.
In other pitching news, Laney Bussian looked comfortable as she didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up a single walk in five consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Emily Ponton was incredible, going 3-for-4 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. That's the most hits she has posted since back in May of 2025. Ella Ponton was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Clifton Central kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Manteno duked it out with Wilmington on Tuesday. The Panthers fell just short of the Wildcats by a score of 3-2. The defeat continues a trend for the Panthers in their meetings with the Wildcats: they've now lost three in a row.
Clifton Central's win bumped their record up to 3-11. As for Manteno, their loss dropped their record down to 11-3.
Clifton Central might still be hurting after the 10-0 defeat they got from Manteno in their previous meeting back in April of 2025. Will the Comets 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.
