High School Highlights

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Please feel free to post stories or info you see as well throughout the high school season!

McAuley's pitching too tough for Titans

Katie Sears of Mother McAuley slides past Staci Bonezek of Tinley Park.
(Art Vassy/SouthtownStar)


March 18, 2010 BY TONY BARANEK [e-mail]

Font Size Print Email En Espanol Bookmark Black Text White TextMother McAuley sophomore Ashley Rogers made her varsity mound debut in the fourth inning Thursday in the Mighty Macs’ 5-3 victory over host Tinley Park. Before she threw her first pitch to the Titans’ Alyssa Gunter, she received a really strange set of instructions from coach Colleen Kilduff.

“Don’t smile at her! Don’t laugh at her!” Kilduff barked from the dugout. “Throw the ball like you’ve never seen her before.” Huh?

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Mother McAuley vs. Tinley Park “Oh, she (Gunter) was on my club team (Orland Sparks),” a smiling Rogers said. “We’ve known each other for a while.”

Rogers retired Gunter on a groundout to second, then struck out the next two batters. The right-hander went on to face the minimum 12 batters, earning the save for winning pitcher Katie Sears.

Rogers, who started the game as the DP, also contributed a run-scoring double, while Katie Adent added a two-run double for Mother McAuley (1-0).

For Tinley Park (0-1), Staci Bonezek stroked a single and an RBI triple, while Stacey Pickrum had a two-run double. Righty Jenna Moravec settled down after a shaky start to blank McAuley over the final four innings.

The game marked the first for both teams with the mound having been moved back to 43 feet. There was plenty of offense early on, with each starter recording just one strikeout through three innings. But Rogers, who pitched on McAuley’s JV in 2009, looked confident right out of the box.

“I’ve been pitching from (43 feet) since the fall league,” said Rogers, who finished with four strikeouts. “When I first started my pitches were breaking too early. But I’ve adjusted.”

Her bid for a perfect four-inning relief stint ended with one out in the seventh, when Megan McCampbell reached base on a throwing error. Returning All-Area catcher Alex Raske promptly gunned down McCampbell as she tried to steal second.

Tinley Park, meanwhile, showed some mettle. The Titans rallied from a 1-0 deficit to tie the game in the bottom of the first. After falling behind 5-1, they rallied for two runs in the third behind a power surge by Bonezek (single), Amber Buss (double) and Pickrum (double). All three drives were shots.

“We’re focusing on offense,” Tinley Park coach Wendy Podbielniak said. “I’m teaching the kids to be aggressive. We’re going up there to hit, not just make contact. We’ve got some work to do on defense, but we’re taking it one step at a time. We’ve got some good kids.”

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Chicago Christian 11, Evergreen Park 1: Lindsey Norway pitched a one-hitter and struck out 11 in pacing host Chicago Christian (1-1) to the six-inning victory. Norway also starred at the plate, belting a three-run triple, knocking in four runs and scoring twice. Evergreen Park fell to 0-1.

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Bianca Gutierrez flashed some big-time leather Friday during the sixth inning of Chicago Christian's nonconference game against visiting Shepard when she gloved a ground ball headed up the middle and turned a 6-3 double play.

That, however, was just her opening act.

The junior shortstop delivered BIG big-time in the bottom of the seventh when she smacked a two-out triple that drove home Lindsey Norway and gave the Knights a 4-3 victory.

Norway, who was 3-for-4 with a home run and a double, earned the mound win as the Knights improved to 2-1.

Becky Termunde (2-for-3, double), Megan Kopf (2-for-4, triple) and Bria Jones (2-for-3, home run) were the offensive leaders for Shepard (0-1). Devon Neubauer, who struck out eight and retired 11 in a row during one stretch, took the loss.

Gutierrez's game-winning rocket down the right-field line came on a 3-and-2 pitch.

"She (Neubauer) went inside so I had to go that way," Gutierrez said. "I was up there being aggressive. I'm feeling pretty confident."

The double play she turned in the sixth was pretty important in its own right.

Shepard, trailing 3-1 going into the inning, was rallying behind a leadoff double by Termunde and an RBI single by Sam Janc. After the double play, Jones ripped an inside-the-park homer, but with the bases empty, it only tied the score. Norway settled down after that, retiring three of the next four batters.

The Knights began the day wishing the best for senior catcher Gina Guarascio, who suffered a broken right thumb Thursday and was set to have season-ending surgery.

Her replacement, freshman Megan McGlynn, was put to the test in the top of the first, catching a foul tip for strike three and holding her ground and making the tag on a collision play at the plate.

"I was just hoping to be on the team and improve for when I got older," McGlynn said. "I never thought I'd be starting. I'm still learning some signs, but most of it, I know."

Norway got the Knights going in the bottom of the first, smashing a leadoff home run to left. McGlynn doubled and Katelyn Oprendek and Mary Kate Venhuizen stroked RBI singles to complete a three-run outburst.

With Guarascio out for the season, there are no seniors on Chicago Christian's roster. With no lower levels (because of a lack of numbers), however, the volume (16) is much more robust than that of 2009.

"I was kind of frustrated about that in the beginning," Norway said. "I'm not used to a big team. But it's turning out, thank goodness, we have a big team.

"Now we have a second and third catcher, and everybody to back up a position if we get hurt, which as you can see we did. And now we can scrimmage against each other, which is nice."

Mother McAuley 3, Stagg 2: Molly Cummings had a pair of RBI for Mother McAuley (2-0) in the game at St. Xavier. Dana Owens paced Stagg (0-1) with two hits and two RBI.

Richards 1, Oak Park-River Forest 0: Kailie Tobin's flyout in the top of the eighth scored Hannah Jenkins with the winning run for visiting Richards (1-0). Brianna LeBeau allowed three hits and struck out seven in pitching a complete game for the Bulldogs.

Lincoln-Way West 5, Bremen 3: Alex Stull and Jess Okrzesik each went 2-for-3 with a run for visiting Lincoln-Way West in its maiden game on the varsity level.

Morton 2, Reavis 1: Amanda Raschke smacked an RBI single for visiting Reavis (0-1).

Tinley Park 12, Thornton 0: Megan McCampbell was the winning pitcher for visiting Tinley Park (1-1). Thornton dropped to 0-1.

Bloom Township 6, Eisenhower 3: Sam Angell (2 doubles) contributed two runs and an RBI for visiting Bloom Township (1-0). Eisenhower (0-1) was led by Monet Mailey, who went 3-for-4 with a run.

[Homer Hawks Site Administrator]

nAPERVILLE sUN PREVIEW

School: Naperville Central

Coach: Andy Nussbaum

2009 record:: 31-8 overall, 10-4 in the DuPage Valley Conference (tied for third with Wheaton North).

2009 postseason: Beat West Aurora 1-0 for West Aurora Regional title; beat Lockport 3-0 in nine innings for Neuqua Valley Sectional title; beat Bartlett 2-0 for the Benedictine Super-Sectional title; lost 2-0 to Edwardsville in first game of state playoffs; lost to Fremd 3-2 in the third-place game; finished fourth overall in Class 4A.

Players to watch: Alyssa Wunderlich, jr., P; Megan Silke, sr., C; Jori Gonzalez, sr., 2B; Kelsey Gonzalez, so., inf.; Nicole Kappelman, so., CF; Megan Griffin, jr., 1B; Kristina Vizza, so., LHP; Dana Dolehide, so., 3B; Juliette Tassi, fr., IF/OF.

2010 outlook: Naperville Central went on a hot streak at the end of last season, winning 12 consecutive games before finishing fourth overall in the state. “We went on an incredibly good run,” Nussbaum said. “We started playing really well, especially on defense.” In the always tough DVC, however, the Redhawks finished tied for third with Wheaton North behind champ Glenbard North and West Chicago. Expect the same thing this year in the DVC. Central, once again, has the tools to compete with Wunderlich, who went 9-1 as the No. 2 pitcher last year (older sister Natalie was the No. 1). Griffin is the only other junior, and Silki and Jori Gonzalez are the team’s two seniors. Both have been on varsity since freshman year. The rest of the team consists of freshmen and sophomores.

School: Naperville North

Coach: Jerry Kedziora

2009 record:: 14-19 overall, 4-10 in the DVC (sixth overall).

2009 postseason: Lost to Neuqua Valley 2-1 in the first game of the Class 4A Naperville North Regional.

Players to watch: Lauren Clouston, sr., P/OF; Jess Stapleton, sr., OF; Maureen Connelly, sr., C; Emily Dieckmann, jr., P/1B; Sammy Marshall, jr., CF; Kendall Vassar, jr., 3B; Caitlyn Warren, so., OF; Tara Degl’Innocenti, so., INF; Stephanie Tobin, so., OF; Amanda Spizzirri, fr., C.

2010 outlook: A lot of girls are back from last year’s team, which means one thing for Kedziora. “We definitely have big plans with this group,” he said. “They’ll pick up where they left off with team camaraderie and team awareness. They came in focused. That’s impressive.” Marshall, who verbally committed to Western Illinois and was a unanimous all-conference selection, is the Huskies’ best player. She is just one of seven players back from last year’s squad, along with Clouston and Dieckmann. Kedziora knows the conference will be tough, but with the talent he has, he’s hoping for a top-four finish in the DVC. A winning record is also very likely.

[Homer Hawks Site Administrator]

SOFTBALL
Chicago Christian 10, Westmont 0
Chicago Christian: WP Lindsey Norway 2 H, 10 K; Bianca Gutierrez 2-for-2, 3B, 4 RBI, R; Lindsey Norway 2-for-3, 3B, 2 RBI, R

Glenbard East 6, Morton 4

IMSA 13, Oswego 2

IMSA (3-0): WP Melissa Perkins (3-0) CG, 5 IP, 2 H, 8 K, 3 BB

Lakes 11, Woodstock North 0

Lemont 4, Oak Lawn 2

Lemont (1-0): WP Kirsten Luevano 8 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 4 K

Maine East 14, Von Steuben 2

Maine East (1-0): WP Michele Perchess 5 IP, 5 K, BB; Laksmi Gill 2-for-3, RBI

Mt. Assisi 8, Immaculate Conception 4

Mt. Assisi: WP Meg Kelly CG, 10 K, 1-for-2, 2 RBI; Emily Kurek 1-for-3, 2 RBI

Niles West 10, Deerfield 4

Oak Forest 7, Shepard 0

Oak Forest (1-0): WP Emily Norton (1-0) 0 ER, H, 13 K; Cassie Bilotto 2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI;Jourdan Skirha reached base twice

Ottawa 8, Sycamore 6

Reavis 14, Bremen 1

Reavis (1-1, 1-0 South Suburban): WP Caitlyn Balandis (1-1) 5 IP, 8 K, 3 H, BB, 3-for-4, 3RBI, 3 R

Resurrection 4, Lisle 2

Resurrection (1-1): Jess Norton, Alex Chiodo 2-for-3 each

Richards 12, T.F. South 0

Richards (2-0): Kailie Tobin 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 R; Georgia Danos 2-for-2, 2-R HR, 2 R

St. Francis 14, Serena 2

St. Francis (1-0): Laura Behnke 3-for-4, GS, 6 RBI; Bri Pasquale 3-for-4, 2 RBI
St. Francis de Sales 17, Maria 0

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Jenny's Steakhouse/SouthtownStar Player of the Week Lindsey Norway
Lindsey Norway, of Chicago Christian, is this week's SouthtownStar/Jenny's Steakhouse Softball Player of the Week.
Norway, a junior pitcher, struck out 11, fired a one-hitter, and had a three-run triple as Chicago Christian beat Evergreen Park. Then, she went 3-for-4 with a home run and struck out five in a victory over Shepard.

[Homer Hawks Site Administrator]

Bishop MacNamara

Lady Irish Win Opener
The Lady Irish toppled Peotone Monday in their season opener. Belinda Schaafsma picked up the victory, scattering 6 Blue Devil hits over 5 innings of work, allowing no runs. Solid defense was the key, as Peotone had runners in scoring position often, but scored only one meaningless run in the bottom of the 7th. Alexa Salkeld sealed the deal in relief, giving up just one hit in two innings. Macs 11 hit attack was led by Josie Dexter's 2-4 day, with 1 RBI. Schaafsma finished 2-3, 1 double, 1 RBI, and Aly Hana also had a multiple hit afternoon, going 2-3, with a double and triple, and 2 Runs scored. The Lady Irish return to action Tuesday against a tough conference foe in Chicago Marist. Game time is 4:30 at Butterfield Rd Softball Complex, our 2010 home field.

[Homer Hawks Site Administrator]

SOFTBALL
Antioch 2, Prairie Ridge 1
Bradley 9, Herscher 8

Brooks 18, Curie 12

Brooks (2-0): WP Mari Hooper (2-0) 3 K; Kiera Holmes 2 RBI; Cynthia Hughes 2B

Buffalo Grove 9-12, Maine West 4-2

Buffalo Grove (4-0): Game 1: WP Maria Dax CG, ER, 8 K; Emily Begnel, Sara Pernelle 2-for-3, 3 RBI each; KC Dunne 2-for-4. Game 2: WP Andrea DiPrima 5 IP, 0 ER, 3-for-3, 6 RBI; Dunne 3-for-3, 2 RBI, 3 R; Kami Hutchings 2-for-3

Burlington Central 14, Sycamore 6

Burlington C.: Juliette Kein 2 ER, 6 K

Carmel 8, Woodstock North 0

Clemente 8, Lincoln Park 7

Crystal Lake Central 6, Harvard 1

Crystal Lake Central (2-0): WP Sara McConnell 7 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 6 K; Amy Rink 2-for-4, 3B, 2B

De La Salle 10, Seton 0

De La Salle (2-0): WP Rebecca Brazel 5 IP, H, 13 K; Alex Garza, 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 3 R

Evanston 11, Gordon Tech 1

Evanston: Cat McCarron 3-for-3, 2 3B; Kelsey Coley HR, 3 RBI; Chiyanne Thompson 2-for-2, 3 RBI

Kennedy 18, Jones 2

Kennedy (1-0): Megan Cunningham (1-0); Shelby Soto 2-for-3, GS, 5 RBI; Morgan Cunningham GS, 2-R HR, 6 RBI

Lane 7, St. Ignatius 2

Lane (1-0): WP Lily Getner (1-0) 4 IP, H, 4 K; Kaleigh Ambrose 3 IP, H, 3 K, SV; Jackie Manrique 2-for-4, 3 RBI

Lemont 14, Evergreen Park 0

Lemont (2-0): WP Becka Anderson 10 K; Kirsten Lucvano HR, 2B, 4 RBI

Lincoln-Way North 11, Kankakee 1

Lisle 9, Aurora Central 1

Lisle (1-1): WP Melanie Early (1-0); McKenzie Buchelt 2-for-4, 3-R HR, 2B, 5 RBI

Loyola 5, Stevenson 4

Loyola (1-0): WP Rebecca Tannehill 2 IP; Jenny Edwards, 3-for-4, 2-R HR, 3 RBI; Maggie Mullen, 3-for-4, G-W HR, RBI

Manteno 16, Rich East 0

Manteno (1-0): WP Haley Hatalla 0 ER, 2H, 2 K, 3-for-3, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R

Marist 6, Bishop McNamara 1

Marist (1-0): WP Stephanie Dierman (1-0); Frankie Rys 3-for-4, 2B, RBI 2 R; Ricky Alvaraz 2-for-4, 2B

Minooka 6, Naperville North 2

Minooka: WP Hayley Schneider 2 IP, R, 4 H, K, 0 BB

Naperville North 6, Bolingbrook 1

Reavis 2, T.F. South 1

Reavis (2-1): WP Caitlyn Balandis CG, 0 ER, H, 11 K, 2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI

Richards 16, T.F. North 0

Richards (3-0, 2-0) WP Kailie Tobin 1-0 1 H, 10 K; Brianna LeBeau 3-for-3, 3B, 2B, RBI; Kristin Renken 3-for-3, RBI, R; Hannah Jenkins 2-R HR, 3-for-3, 2 RBI

Riverside-Brookfield 9, Willowbrook 3

Riverside-Brookfield (1-0): WP Morgan Vogel; Jessie Hutchens 3-for-4, 2-R HR, 3 RBI; Maggie Zeleny RBI

St. Francis 8, IMSA 2

St. Scholastica 7, St. Benedict 0

Sandburg 4, Beecher 1

South Elgin 7, Geneva 4

Stagg 5, Queen of Peace 1

Stagg: WP Ashley Yaros (1-1) 7 IP, 3 H, 5 K; Victoria Dellorto 1-for-3, 2 R, 2B, 2 RBI, BB; Jessica Arebalo 2-for-3, 2B; Mary Kate Fournier 1-for-3, R

Timothy Christian 8, Imm. Conception 7

Tinley Park 16, Eisenhower 0

Tinley Park: Amber Buss 2 HR; Stacie Bonezek 3-for-3, HR

WW South 12, Addison Trail 3

WW South (1-1): Bekah Munday 3-for-4, Katie Ottolin 3-for-4, 4 RBI

Yorkville 8, Rosary 2

[Homer Hawks Site Administrator]

WEDNESDAY'S RESULTS

Andrew 9, Marian Catholic 8, 9 inn.

Bremen 13, Morgan Park 3

Bremen: Karissa Ramirez 2-for-2, 2 3B, 4 RBI

Cary-Grove 10, Carmel 0

Clemente 17, Amundsen 12

Conant 12-12, South Elgin 1-1

Crystal Lake Central 2, Elgin 1

Eisenhower 6, Thornwood 2

Eisenhower (2-2): WP Kaylee Chase (1-1); Alicia Aguirre 1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI, R; Caitlin Renika 3-for-4, RBI

Evanston 7, Taft 0

Evanston: WP Allie Managlia (1-0) no-hitter, 8 K; Jessica Moore HR, 2B, 4 RBI; Caroline Duke 4 SB; Kelsey Coley 3 SB

Glenbrook North 10, Northside 3

Glenbrook North: WP Melanie Newman (1-1); Sarah Koulogeorge 3-for-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R; Carrie Dinelli 3-for-3, RBI, 3 R; Alena Marovitz 2-for-3, 2B, 3 RBI

Grayslake Central 13, Round Lake 0

Grayslake Central: WP Taylor Janda 5 IP, 2 H, 4 K; Rachel Perkowitz 3B, 2 2B, 5 RBI

Harlan 19, Hanthingy 13

Julian 22, Bronzeville 8

Julian (1-0): WP China Shavo (1-0); Melanie Hart 3-for-4, HR, 5 RBI

Kennedy 22, Curie 5

Kennedy (2-0): WP Megan Cunningham (2-0); Erin Maca 2-for-2, GS; Jen Vendel 3-R HR

Leyden 13, St. Joseph 1

Leyden (1-0): WP April Markowski (1-0) 4 IP, ER, 3 H, 3 K, BB; Kim Giannini 2-for-3, 2B

Lincoln-Way Central 8, Bloom 0

Lincoln-Way East 10, Oak Lawn 0

Lincoln-Way East (1-0): WP Cait Santefort (1-0) CG, 9 K, 1-for-2, 2B, RBI; Megan Butler 2-for-3, HR, 2B, 5 RBI; Alexis Filippo 2-for-2, 2 2B, RBI; Cheryl Sendzik 2-for-3, 2 RBI, R

Manteno 4, Lincoln-Way West 3

Marist 9, Bishop McNamara 2

Marist: WP Teagan Walsh

Mother McAuley 4, Lincoln Way North 0

Mother McAuley (3-0): WP Katie Sears (2-0) CG, 2 H, 9 K; Erin O'Donnell 2-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI

Oak Park 2, Morton 1

Oak Park (1-1): WP Leah Bry (1-1) CG, ER, 2 H, 15 K, 0 BB; Marisa Belpedio 2-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI; Alana Weitsenfeld 2-for-3

Perspectives-Calumet 12, Hyde Park 4

Perspectives-Calumet (1-0): WP Auriele Matthews (1-0) 3-for-3, HR, 3 R

Plainfield Central 10, Bolingbrook 5

Plainfield Central (1-0): Robyn Chearo GS

Ridgewood 8, Westmont 5

Ridgewood: WP Jessica Frey (1-1) ER, K; Megan Kaufman 2-for-2, 2B; Amber Mescall 1-for-2, 3-R 3B

Riverside-Brookfield 13, Addison Trail 0

Riverside-Brookfield (2-0): WP Morgan Vogel (1-0); Jessie Hutchens 2-for-4, 2 RBI; Michelle Demitro 3-for-4, 3 RBI

St. Ignatius 4, Queen of Peace 0

St. Ignatius (2-1, 1-0 GCAC Red): WP Gina Scasina (2-0) CG, 2 K, 7 H; Gena Lenti 3-for-4, R; Ali Lenti 2-for-4, R

Stagg 3, Shepard 0

Stagg (2-1): WP Lea LaSota (1-0) CG, 3 H, 8 K, 0 BB; Dana Owens 2-for-3, 2 R; Jess Arebalo 1-for-2, 3B, 2 RBI; Ashley Yaros 1-for-3, 3B

Tinley Park 17, Evergreen Park 1

Tinley Park (3-1): Amber Buss 3-for-4, HR, 5 RBI; Stacie Bonezek 3-for-3, 3 RBI

Trinity 14, Timothy Christian 0

Trinity (3-0): Vivi Castallanos 4-for-4, 5 RBI; Nicole Evans 2-for-2, 2-R HR, 3 RBI

Vernon Hills 4, Deerfield 0

Wauconda 4, Prairie Ridge 1

Wauconda (1-0): WP Kayla Stos CG, 3 H, 2 BB; Cara Nance 1-for-3, 2B, RBI; Kendra Wedl 1-for-4, 2B, R; Megan Luchowski 1-for-1, RBI

Wheaton North 2, Larkin 0

Yorkville 10, East Aurora 0

Yorkville: WP Lina Serio, 3 H, 5 K, BB; Brianna Conaway, Emily Adam 3 RBI each

TUESDAY'S LATE RESULTS

Oak Forest 8, Oak Lawn 1

Streator 13, Plainfield South 2

[Homer Hawks Site Administrator]

THURSDAY'S RESULTS

Buffalo Grove 7-15, South Elgin 6-1

Buffalo Grove (6-0): Game 1: WP Maria Dax CG, 6 H, 8 K, 5 BB; Andrea DiPrima 3-for-3; KC Dunne 2-for-4, HR, 2B, 2 RBI. Game 2: WP DiPrima 5 IP, 2 H, 5 K, 0 BB, 3-for-3, HR, 2B, 3 RBI

Joliet 7, Providence 6

Kennedy 19, Bogan 2

Kennedy (3-0): Katie Szaflarski 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI; Samantha Bolda 3-for-3, 2 RBI

Lincoln-Way East 10, Oak Lawn 0

Loyola 10, Prospect 6

Loyola: Carly Ruscello 2-for-4, 2 RBI

Minooka 14, Batavia 3

Neuqua Valley 20, Glenbard East 4

New Trier 9, Lane 0

New Trier (1-0): Kelsey Lee (1-0) CG, no-hitter, 14 K; Jackie Stern 3-for-3, 2 R; Brianna Berceau 2-for-3, 2B, 3 RBI

Oak Forest 10, Evergreen Park 0

Riverside-Brookfield 11, Immaculate Conception 0

Riverside-Brookfield (3-0): WP Kristin Kleinmeyer 5 IP, 0 H, 13 K, 2 RBI; Maggie Zeleny 3 RBI

St. Scholastica 21, Josephinum 4

St. Scholastica (2-0): Catherine Rehberger 2-for-4, 4 RBI, 4 R; Kelly Mercurio 1-for-4, 2B, 3 RBI, 3 R

Streamwood 11-12, Wheeling 1-2

Streamwood (2-0): Game 1: WP Amanda Patterson (1-0) CG, ER, 7 H, 7 K; Game 2: WP Jenna Szabo (1-0) CG, ER, 2 H, 7 K

West Aurora 6, Geneva 1

Yorkville 8, Plano 0

Yorkville (3-0): WP Maxine Bieritz 6 IP, H, 10 K, BB; Megan Kuhn 3-for-3, 2B

[Homer Hawks Site Administrator]

Friday's softball roundup
March 26, 2010

Font Size Print Email En Espanol Bookmark Black Text White TextAndrew 12, T.F. South 4: Andrew (2-0) was led by Alex Washkowski, who had two doubles and six RBI.

Barrington 15, Oswego East 1: Kiley Dolezal (4-0) earned the win for Barrington (4-0), going four innings and striking out six. Nora Logue finished 3-for-3 with four RBI. Elizabeth Owen went 3-for-4 with four RBI.

Clemente 17, Roosevelt 0: Candelaria Chavez (1-0) struck out four to lead Clemente (3-0).

Downers North 6, Reavis 0: Downers North (1-0) won behind Kendall Ryndak, who struck out 17. Jenna Gonzales went 2-for-4 with a homer and double. Katie Hundinger finished 2-for-3 with a triple and double.

Fenton 10, Walther Lutheran 0: Fenton (1-0) earned the win behind Marissa Vazquez, who pitched four scoreless innings and went 2-for-3 with three RBI at the plate. Tara Lawson finished 2-for-2 with an RBI and two runs.

Fenwick 9, Montini 1: Kerry Lange (1-0) earned the win for Fenwick (1-0), allowing one run in a complete game on the mound, and finishing 2-for-3 with a triple at the plate. Corey Alcarez went 2-for-4 with a triple.

Gordon Tech 10, Amundsen 4: Gordon Tech (3-1) was powered by Kristin Nitka. Nitka struck out 10 and allowed one earned run in the complete game on the mound, and went 3-for-5 with an RBI at the plate.

Lincoln-Way East 8, Argo 0: Lincoln-Way East's Kacyee Hart (1-0) earned the win by striking out 11.

Marian Catholic 1, Bradley 0: Rachel Glenn threw a five-hitter to earn the win for Marian Catholic (1-1).

Minooka 9, Neuqua Valley 4: Minooka's Kristi Lenz allowed two runs, three hits, and struck out two to earn the win.

Oak Lawn 2, Bloom 1: Rachel Menor (1-2) of Oak Lawn (2-3) earned the win with a four strikeout one-hitter.

Richards 6, Lincoln-Way Central 2: Brianna LeBeau (3-0) did it all for Richards. LeBeau threw a complete game, allowed two runs, and struck at seven on the mound. At the plate, she went 1-for-3 with a double, RBI, and run. Kristen Efantis and Cristen Fadden each went 1-for-3 with an RBI and two runs for the Bulldogs. Hannah Jenkins finished 1-for-3 with a double and RBI.

Sycamore 12, Dundee-Crown 2: Sycamore's Abbey Foulk (1-2) struck out seven and allowed two runs to earn the win. Rachel Lesorgen finished 3-for-4 with a triple and five RBI. Anna Buzzard went 3-for-3 with three runs. Sam Navarro finished 1-for-2 with a double and two runs.

Trinity 6, Resurrection 0: Vivi Castellanos went 3-for-4 with three RBI and a two-run homer for Trinity (4-0, 1-0 GCAC RED). Chase Macain earned the win, allowing three hits in a complete game. Nicole Evans went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer.

Zion-Benton 9, Grayslake North 0: Zion-Benton (4-1) was led by Jessica Munda (3-1), who struck out seven and didn't allow a run in five innings.

[Homer Hawks Site Administrator]

Chicago Christian 10, Illiana Christian 8: A grand slam by Becky DeRuiter led a five-run rally in the top of the seventh for Chicago Christian (4-1). Lindsey Norway (4-1) struck out 11 in pitching a complete game, and Megan Glynn had a two-run homer for the Knights. Dana Poortenga and Jaclene Bonnema each homered for Illiana Christian (0-2).

[brismom]

Lockport High School sophmore team begin their season today playing a double-header against Plainfield South. Both games were won by Lockport ending in 5 inning slaughter rule. Tierney Bottino had a nice over the fence home run. Way to go T.

[Homer Hawks Site Administrator]

Ace Brottman among eight returning regulars for Fremd
March 27, 2010 BY TINA AKOURIS [e-mail]

Font Size Print Email En Espanol Bookmark Black Text White TextFremd senior Lena Brottman is the Vikings’ ace. So she’s ready for just about anything this softball season is going to throw at her, no pun intended. And that includes a big change in the pitcher’s circle.

This season the distance from home plate to the pitching rubber increases by three feet, from 40 to 43 feet. The change will reflect the college distance for pitchers.

‘‘When you pitch closer, you are a faster thrower, and that extra three feet gives me the opportunity to throw spinner pitches and there is more room for them to break,’’ Brottman said. ‘‘I’m throwing more junk pitches now and it’s better at 43 feet.’’

Brottman, who will play at Emory next year, went 21-4 last season with a 0.73 ERA and 280 strikeouts in 173.2 innings. She is the school’s all-time strikeout leader.

‘‘Brott makes us go,’’ Fremd coach Jim Weaver said. ‘‘She wasn’t 100 percent healthy last year [suffering a rib injury], so we’re expecting a big year from her.’’

With Brottman leading the charge of eight returners for Fremd, the Vikings get the nod as the Sun-Times preseason No. 1 softball team.

Here’s a closer look at the Sun-Times’ top 20 softball teams:

1. Fremd

The Vikings want to best their school record 33 wins from a season ago and with the experience they have coming back, it should be no problem. Eight starters return from the 2009 third-place team, including Brottman. Fremd boasts four four-year starters in Brottman, second baseman Lauren Zaworski, outfielder/catcher Kristine Werling and third baseman Kelly Voigt. Other returning starters include seniors Jenny Schneider (outfield), Alexa Cinquegrani (outfield), Tess Dinterman (outfield) and Emily Janes (catcher/DH).

‘‘It’s a great honor [being chosen No. 1],’’ Brottman said. ‘‘Usually a north suburban team isn’t recognized, and we’re using this as motivation to keep playing well.’’

2. Oak Forest

The defending Class 3A state champions return five starters from the 2009 team that finished 31-4. Junior pitcher Emily Norton (.45 ERA, .479 batting average, commitment to Radford University) and her batterymate sophomore catcher Emily Naegele (.284 average, 16 RBI) lead the charge. Other returning starters include senior Cassie Bilotto at first and DH, senior outfielder Kristyne Smyth and junior infielder Sam Bal at second and third.

3. Sandburg

Pitchers Brittany Gardner, a senior, and Lora Olson, a junior, are going to make all the difference for the Eagles, considered one of the best teams in the South suburbs next to Oak Forest. But Gardner and Olson are only two of six top returners at Sandburg, which also include seniors Morgan Biel (outfielder) and Emma Jarrell (infielder), and juniors Jess Perkins (infielder) and Lexi Bryant (catcher).

4. Glenbard South

The Raiders finished fourth in Class 3A a year ago, but hope to challenge Oak Forest for the state championship in June. Glenbard South has nine returners, led by two-time all-Western Sun selection Jennifer Wittenberg (junior) at shortstop and senior Amanda Fazzri at third.

‘‘I lost two main players but I’ve filled those spots very well,’’ Glenbard South coach Julie Fonda said. ‘‘To return nine? I’m totally excited. It’s not a rebuilding year for us but a reloading year.’’

Other players in the reloading process include sophomore second baseman Brianna Meath, who will hit leadoff, the all-junior battery of pitcher Jessica Wilkes and catcher Jackie Wrona, senior outfielder Jenny Klich and sophomore pitcher Danielle Chitkowski. Also watch for seniors Maddy Glab in the outfield and Tess DiIorio at first.

5. Barrington

Coach Perry Peterson lost three seniors from last year’s 33-4 squad, but he returns six defensive starters and seven to the batting order. The big guns returning are junior infielders Colleen Shandley, who hit .446 a season ago, and Kiersten Tinkoff, a .300 hitter a year ago who knocked in four homers and 31 RBI. Junior catcher Kristin Kuhn anchors the backstop and senior outfielder Nora Logue has some pop in her bat.

6. Antioch

The Sequoits aren’t a young team anymore. After finishing 2009 with a 32-3 record and a loss in the sectional final to Vernon Hills, Antioch returns a more well-rounded team that is strong in offense, defense and pitching. Junior ace and Northwestern recruit Olivia Duehr will be in the circle, sharing duties with Sam Kozenski and Michelle Schlung. The infield is anchored by Georgetown recruit Allie Anttila at short, Lauren Moore at third, junior Cat Dinklenburg at first and junior Jess Liszka at second. Returner Samie Seamon provides experience in center and batting leadoff.

7. Elk Grove

Pitchers Stephanie Maday and Danielle Goranson should make up for most of the offense lost to graduation. But coach Ken Grams is optimistic about junior Jessica Balzano, who played outfield for two years and moves to second base. Balzano has been the Grens’ leading hitter the past two years.

8. Marian Catholic

Versatility is the Spartans’ strength, as every infielder also doubles at pitching or catching and could play any position. Marian also features a good combination of speed and power. Senior right fielder Natalie Ward is a power hitter, who hit .486 a season ago and had 11 home runs and 30 RBI. And junior pitcher/infielder Rebecca Gray gives Marian speed, as she swiped 20 bases in 2009. Junior Briana Clark, who caught last year, moves to the infield as Marian will start freshman Becca Stanton behind the plate. Sophomore infielder Alexis Funk is a power hitter (.421 average), but Funk broke a toe and strained ligaments in her foot earlier this month when she slipped on some ice. Coach Kerri Evans said Funk should return in a few weeks. Junior pitcher Rachel Glenn returns healthy after pitching last season with a broken finger. Watch for junior transfer Erashawna Sadler from the St. Louis area.

9. Loyola

The defending Class 4A state champions lost the 2009 Player of the Year in pitcher Devin Miller and All-Area catcher Teresa Aguilar. But the Ramblers return five starters and coach Martin Jennings thinks they will surprise some this season. Division I recruits Dana Trotta (Dayton) returns at third and Jenny Edwards (Cornell) comes back to second. Other returners include seniors Meghan Edwards (Denison) at catcher, Maggie Mullen in left and Carly Ruscello in right. Also watch for junior centerfielder Molly O’Brien.

10. Prairie Ridge

Eight starters return for a team that went 33-7 in 2009 and reached the Class 4A supersectionals. This season the Wolves are in Class 3A. Pitcher Johanna Turner is the big returner for Prairie Ridge and her batterymate, junior Lauren Seegers, will boost the Wolves far.

11. Lincoln-Way East

The pitcher known as "Fresh" leads four key returners for the Griffins. Saint Louis recruit Cait "Fresh" Santefort isn't just a great pitcher (21-4, 0.69 ERA, 201 strikeouts), but she's also a solid hitter who had a .387 average in 93 at-bats with six homers and 28 RBI a season ago. Lincoln-Way East also returns shortstop Cheryl Sendzik, junior second baseman Jillian Reid and junior catcher Megan Butler.

12. Lake Zurich

Ten players return for the Bears, including key starters in junior pitcher Megan Mattera and her batterymate, junior catcher Paige Goldberg. Senior third baseman Erin Sweeney will anchor the infield with her experience. A talented sophomore class will keep Lake Zurich competitive.

13. Naperville Central

Junior Alyssa Wunderlich is the Redhawks No. 1 pitcher, after going 9-1 last season and not losing a game after April 17. Even though Naperville Central scored under 100 runs in 39 games, the Redhawks had strong pitching and defense which will be the case again this year. Six starters return in seniors Megan Silke (catcher) and Jori Gonzalez (second base), junior Meghan Griffin (first base); and a strong sophomore contingent in shortstop Kelsey Gonzalez and outfielders Nicole Kappelman and Kristina Vizza.
14. Marist

Junior shortstop Rikki Alcaraz, an LSU recruit, and junior pitcher Teagan Walsh, a Western Illinois recruit, will pace the RedHawks who should equal or surpass last season's win total of 28. The junior-heavy roster also includes pitcher Stephanie Gierman, catcher Alyssa Sierzega and outfielder Megan Gustafson.

15. Benet

In 2009 the Red Wings set a school record for wins with 31. Junior pitcher Allyson Staats returns as the team's best hitter and pitcher and is among nine players back from that record team. Also watch for first baseman Nora McGuire.

16. Richards

Sophomore Brianna LeBeau turned heads in her freshman year, so much so that Northwestern already wrapped up a commitment from the 5-10 pitcher in September. LeBeau also has a strong bat and saw some time at shortstop last year, but will just focus on pitching this season. Despite graduating five players, Richards returns six starters in LeBeau, third baseman Cristen Fadden, infielder Hannah Jenkins, catcher Kristen Efantis, first baseman Jourdan Kaminski and pitcher/second baseman/outfielder Kailie Tobin.

17. Lockport

Don't count out the Porters, who return senior infielders Amanda Stanton at short, Kacey Rogers at second and Jessica Rourke at third. Lockport also has three newcomers that may make an impact in juniors Ophelia Romeo at catcher, Kelly Bowler in the circle and Samantha DeMasi in the outfield.

18. Mother McAuley

The Mighty Macs are led by pitcher Katie Sears and get offensive punch from Erin O'Donnell.

19. Oak Park

Losing 10 seniors? No problem for the Huskies, who return All-West Suburban Silver players in pitcher Leah Bry (16-5, 171 strikeouts) and catcher Lauren Flannery (.356 average, 30 RBIs). Oak Park also has a solid junior class, brought up from last year's JV squad. The Huskies are looking for their fifth consecutive Silver title.

20. Riverside-Brookfield

Dan Hull has coached the Bulldogs for 11 years, and in that time R-B has never lost by the 10-run rule and has only had one season where they won less than 20 games in 2000 when the Bulldogs won 18 and Hull suffered a heart attack midseason. So R-B has been a model of consistency, and this year's team is strong both in pitching and defense. The Bulldogs' main leaders are ace pitcher Morgan Vogel and shortstop Jessie Hutchens, but sophomore third baseman Kiley Rusen should not be overlooked. "We can use [Rusen] anywhere [in the infield] and she's a left-handed hitter which makes us very versatile," Hull said. Cousins Liz (catcher) and Michelle DiMitro (centerfield) also return for R-B.

[Homer Hawks Site Administrator]

Marian Catholic 14, Crete-Monee 2: Rebecca Gray (1-1) struck out nine to pick up the win for No. 8 Marian Catholic (2-1). Shawna Sadler went 2-for-4 with a home run and three runs.

Lincoln-Way East 10, Plainfield South 2: Cheryl Sendzik went 3-for-5 with a homer and two RBI to lead No. 11 Lincoln-Way East (5-0). Cait Santefort (4-0) picked up the win by fanning eight and allowing two hits. Santefort was also charged with one unearned run.

Marist 12, Queen of Peace 2: Stephanie Gierman (3-1) struck out seven in four innings to get the win for No. 14 Marist (5-1). Holly Kuhl went 3-for-3 with a home run and two doubles, Rikki Alcaraz went 2-for-4 with a home run, and Megan Gustafson went 2-for-4 with a triple.

Richards 12, Stagg 1: Brianna LeBeau (5-2) allowed five hits and struck out four for No. 16 Richards (6-2). Kalie Tobin went 2-for-3 with two doubles and three runs. Bridget Bean went 2-for-3 with two doubles and five RBI.

Oak Park 3, WW South 2: Leah Bry (2-2) pitched a complete game, allowing two earned runs and fanning 10 to power No. 19 Oak Park (2-2). Hannah Press went 2-for-3 with two doubles and one run.

Riverside-Brookfield 18, Nazareth 5: Kristin Kleinmeyer (2-0) allowed eight hits, struck out three and walked three to pick up the win for the No. 20 Bulldogs (5-0). Kylie Rusen was 3-for-5 at the plate with a home run, and Jessie Hutchens went 2-for-4.

Andrew 18, Romeoville 2: Katie Christner went 4-for-4 with a grand slam and five RBI to power Andrew (3-2).

Coal City 20, Yorkville 0: Krista Watson led the Coalers by going 6-for-6 with two home runs, a double and nine RBI. Kirsten Verdun struck out 16 to pick up the win.

Elmwood Park 4, Guerin 0: Catelyn Jakobsen (1-0) allowed three hits, struck out nine and walked two to get the win for Elmwood Park (1-2). Meghan McNulty (1-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI) and Catherine Conte (2-for-2, 2B, 3B, R) powered the offense for the Tigers.

Evanston 5, Northside 4: Allie Managlia got the win for Evanston (3-0) by allowing one earned run and fanning seven. Jenna Ehrensaft stole three bases and scored two runs. Caroline Duke (1-for-3, RBI) and Chiyanne Thompson (2-for-4) also had solid days at the plate.

Glenbrook South 7, Hersey 6: Kim Lohre (3-3) fanned three and walked four to get the win for Glenbrook South (3-3). Mykenzie Buzard (2-for-3), Maddy Start (1-for-2) and Bailey Heinzen (1-for-2) hit a home run each.

Grayslake North 8-6, Round Lake 0-0: Kristina Gandy struck out 10 in each game of a doubleheader to power Grayslake North (2-2). Gandy allowed a single hit all day, in the second game.

Homewood-Flossmoor 7, Bremen 0: Kassidy Kleinow struck out 14 to get the win.

Kankakee 3, Shepard 2: Allie VadBoncouer went 2-for-2 with two triples and one RBI for Kankakee (4-2).

Lake Park 4, Lockport 3: Angie Bates allowed no runs and one hit in three innings of relief to get the win for Lake Park (2-1). Chelsea Henshaw hit the game-winning single in the bottom of the seventh with two outs. Carly Willert went 2-for-4 with an inside-the-park solo home run.

Leyden 9, Larkin 3: Hannah Seymore (2-0) allowed one earned run and one hit, struck out six and walked three in five innings in the win for Leyden (5-0). Morgan Maize went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs.

Libertyville 4, Fenton 0: Andie Grant pitched a complete game and fanned 10 to get the win for Libertyville (2-2).

Lincoln-Way Central 16, Argo 4: Gina Brown and Laura Hickey each had a home run for Lincoln-Way Central. Erin Kotlarz added three hits.

Lincoln-Way North 3, Providence 0: Winning pitcher Laura Iversen (3-1) batted 3-for-3 with two RBI to back up her shutout for Lincoln-Way North (4-1).

Lincoln-Way West 10, Eisenhower 2: Jess Okresik scored two runs and Katrina Prospero hit a triple for Lincoln-Way West.

Mt. Assisi 10, Oak Lawn 2: Meg Kelly (4-2) allowed five hits, struck out five and walked four to get the win for Mt. Assisi (4-2). Trish Miller (3-for-4, 2 3B, 2B, 2 RBI) and Emily Kurek (3-for-3, 3B, 2B, 2 RBI) had strong days at the plate.

Peotone 14, Grant Park 5: Alyssa Invergo had three hits to lead the Blue Devils (6-1). Corrinne Carr (3-0) picked up the win.

St. Francis 4, Geneva 2: Bri Pasquaele's two-run homer was the difference for the Spartans (4-3).

Sycamore 5, Dixon 3: Winning pitcher Abby Foulk (2-2) gave up six hits and three runs and struck out four for Sycamore (4-3). Anna Buzzard and Haley Salazar each had a home run. Kelcee Miller (2-for-3, 2B), Rachel Lesorgen (2-for-4, RBI) and Emily Schramer (1-for-1, 3B, RBI) helped power the offense.

West Aurora 2, Lebanon (Ohio) 1: Francesca Evischi (1-0) allowed one run and five hits, struck out four and walked three in five innings to get the win for West Aurora (3-1). Devin Vaughn went 1-for-4 with a double, one RBI and one run. Christina Hunger went 2-for-4.

Wilmington 7, Momence 6: Stephanie Dzak executed a suicide squeeze in the bottom of the seventh to give Wilmington (4-1) the win. Ashley Strong went 4-for-4 with a home run and three RBI. Liz Alberico (3-0) picked up the win. Erin Murphy had two doubles, and Alberico added two hits.