Bloomington is on a three-game streak of home wins, while Normal Community is on a five-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Purple Raiders will host the Ironmen at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Normal Community took a loss in their last match and will be looking to turn the tables on Bloomington, who comes in off a win.
Bloomington is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They were the clear victors by a 21-4 margin over Peoria on Thursday. The Purple Raiders might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six games by six runs or more this season.
Mady McComas and Reilly Vetter made a splash no matter where they played. Throwing, McComas struck out nine batters over three innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off only two hits. Meanwhile, Vetter pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. At bat, McComas went 1-for-3 with three runs and one RBI, while Vetter got on base in two of her four plate appearances with three runs. Those three runs gave McComas a new career-high.
In other batting news, Mara Copes was a standout: she went a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs, three RBI, and one triple. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Lauren Shuey, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs.
Bloomington always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .750. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, after a string of six wins, Normal Community's good fortune finally ran out on Monday. They lost 8-2 to Washington. Ironmen fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Panthers since on Monday.
Tatum Yokley and Bailey Engel did some serious damage despite the final result: Yokley went 2-for-3 with two RBI, while Engel went 3-for-4 with one run and one double.
Bloomington has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 12 of their last 13 contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 15-3 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 6.5 runs over those games. As for Normal Community, their defeat dropped their record down to 18-11.
Bloomington came up short against Normal Community in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, falling 5-1. Will the Purple Raiders 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.
