The Neuqua Valley Wildcats will face off against the Wheaton North Falcons at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
On Wednesday, Neuqua Valley beat Waubonsie Valley 6-1. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Wildcats.
Ava Drehs looked comfortable as she struck out seven batters over 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season.
At the plate, Nalia Clifford was a standout: she scored two runs while going 2-for-3. Cora Dickson was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double.
Meanwhile, Wheaton North faced St. Charles North in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Tuesday. The Falcons' pitcher stepped up to hand the North Stars a 3-0 shutout. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since May 4, 2022, but that streak is no more.
The result came thanks to Hannah Wulf's shutout, as she gave up just two hits and racked up six Ks.
On the hitting side, Makayla Grantz was excellent, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and one RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Moriah Herr, who scored a run while going 2-for-3.
Wheaton North's victory bumped their record up to 10-2. As for Neuqua Valley, their win bumped their record up to 5-6.
Neuqua Valley took their victory against Wheaton North in their previous matchup back in April of 2019 by a conclusive 18-7 score. Do the Wildcats have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Falcons turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
