The Oakwood Comets will face off against the Champaign Central Maroons at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Oakwood is coming into the game hot, having won their last four games.
Oakwood had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the ten-run drubbing they dealt Armstrong on Monday. The Comets blew past the Trojans 12-2. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest victory the Comets have posted against the Trojans since May 3, 2019.
Irene Rangel made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up a single earned run in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
In other batting news, Oakwood let Ashtyn Dailey and Gracie Hanner run wild. Dailey went 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBI, while Hanner went 2-for-3 with three runs, two RBI, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Avery Trimmell, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with two runs and one RBI.
Oakwood kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are a perfect 9-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Champaign Central hadn't done well against Effingham recently (they were 1-6 in their previous seven matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Wednesday. The Maroons won by a run and slipped past the Flaming Hearts 5-4.
Like Oakwood, Champaign Central also got a great game from a two-way player: Haley Helm. She struck out eight batters over seven innings while giving up four earned runs off six hits. Helm was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
In other batting news, Mya De La Cruz was excellent, going 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI.
Oakwood's win bumped their record up to 16-9. As for Champaign Central, their victory bumped their record up to 23-4-1.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Oakwood hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .332. However, it's not like Champaign Central struggles in that department as they've averaged .344. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Oakwood suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Champaign Central in their previous matchup back in May 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.
