The Illinois Valley Central Grey Ghosts will challenge the Monticello Sages at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Illinois Valley Central is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.
On Thursday, Illinois Valley Central made easy work of Richwoods and carried off a 10-3 win. The Grey Ghosts haven't had any issues with the Knights recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Jensyn Gustafson made a splash no matter where she played. She pitched seven innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off three hits. 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. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with five RBI and one double. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high.
Taylor Zannacker
| 04/10/25 @ Richwoods | 3 |
| 04/08/25 @ Annawan-Wethersfield | 2 |
| 03/25/25 vs Streator | 2 |
| 04/02/25 @ Princeville | 1 |
| 03/31/25 @ Putnam County | 1 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Taylor Zannacker, who scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances. Those three runs gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Charlotte Camp, who scored two runs and stole a base.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Monticello, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They never let Oakwood get on the board and left with a 3-0 win on Thursday. The three-run effort marked the Sages' lowest-scoring match of the season, but in the end it didn't matter.
Like Illinois Valley Central, Monticello also got a great game from a two-way player: Cassidee Stoffel. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out nine over six innings pitched. Stoffel was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one home run.
Stoffel wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Isabella Beery, who went 2-for-3 with one RBI.
Monticello's victory was their 12th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 11-2. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Illinois Valley Central, their record is now 8-4.
Saturday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Illinois Valley Central has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .433. However, it's not like Monticello struggles in that department as they've averaged .498. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Illinois Valley Central couldn't quite finish off Monticello when the teams last played back in April of 2024 and fell 4-2. Can the Grey Ghosts avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
