The College of DuPage softball team came into the April 28 doubleheader looking to continue their win streak after winning two games against Carl Sandburg College in a doubleheader on April 25. The scores were 1-11 and 3-9 respectively.
Game one started with DuPage scoring their first and only run of the game in the first, followed by an Eagles response scoring four in the second, one in the third, four again in the fourth and two in the fifth. The Chaparrals couldn’t get much out of any inning, as the Chaps dropped game one 1-11.
Between the two games, DuPage honored their five sophomore players: Julia Colorato, Ximena Banuelos, Jenna Maples, Alyssa Dubinski and Aliyah Heredia. A celebration was held on the field as players walked onto the mound with their friends, families and loved ones
Game two started a few minutes after the celebrations with a scoreless first inning. The game ramped up with one run in the second inning, then three in the third inning, all scored by Illinois Valley. DuPage then responded with a two-run home run in the fourth inning to bring the score to 2-4, making the game very close.
However, after one more scoreless inning, the Eagles scored five runs in the sixth, extending their lead to 2-9. DuPage tried to rally, scoring one run in the seventh, but Illinois Valley got the job done, handing the Chaps a 3-9 loss. This put their regular season record at 17-24.
The Chaps qualified for the NJCAA Region 4 DIII Championship, where they will be facing Joliet Junior College in a best-of-three series in Joliet. The Wolves swept the Chaparrals in two games, beating them 3-8, then 3-13, ending their season.
DuPage’s overall record ends in 17-26.
