Hilltoppers
| 05/12/26 @ Gillespie | 2 |
| 05/11/26 @ North Mac | 28 |
| 05/07/26 @ Father McGivney Catholic | 13 |
| 05/04/26 @ Pana | 11 |
| 05/01/26 vs Litchfield | 17 |
| + 19 more games |
Hillsboro and Marquette Catholic are an even 3-3 against one another since April of 2016, but likely not for long. The Hilltoppers will welcome the Explorers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Hillsboro is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.2 runs per game this season.
Hillsboro had been on a five-game streak of scoring at least ten runs, but Gillespie put an end to it on Tuesday. The Hilltoppers fell 5-2 to the Miners. The loss continues a trend for the Hilltoppers in their meetings with the Miners: they've now lost seven in a row.
Lainey Lessman spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and three unearned) runs on six hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 15 consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Peyton Chappelear made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and one triple. That home run was her first of the season. Kaya Connor was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one RBI.
Marquette Catholic couldn't beat Christ Our Rock Lutheran on Tuesday even though they stacked seven runs on them in the fourth inning. The Explorers came up short against the Stallions, falling 17-7.
Jayla Dickson was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Marquette Catholic's defeat dropped their record down to 7-11-1. As for Hillsboro, their loss dropped their record down to 17-7.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Hillsboro hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .383. However, it's not like Marquette Catholic struggles in that department as they've averaged .343. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hillsboro might still be hurting after the 7-1 defeat they got from Marquette Catholic when the teams last played back in May of 2025. Will the Hilltoppers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
