High School Sports RSS: Softball

At plate and on mound, no stopping Norton

BY TONY BARANEK tbaranek@southtownstar.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Oak Forest sophomore Emily Norton, who won 29 games, struck out 343 and batted .479 for the Class 3A state champs, is the SouthtownStar Softball Player of the Year.

For Titans' Gerdes, it's the time of her life

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:00 CST

Tinley Park senior Elle Gerdes is a very talented shortstop � so talented that Winona State gave her a softball scholarship. She's also is a very talented singer � so talented that the White Sox, the Bears, the Cubs and others have had her sing the national anthem at events. She wants to be the very best nurse she can be. But for now, the 18-year-old is enjoying the sports and musical time of her life.

Oak Forest's win an emotional one for Stryczek

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

Paige Stryczek, who led Oak Forest to a school-record 31 wins and the Class 3A state title, is the SouthtownStar's Softball Coach of the Year.

Verdun deal: Coaler ace is Joliet area's best

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:01 CST

Prep softball: Talk is cheap, or so the saying goes, but Coal City High School pitcher Kirsten Verdun made her conversations with junior catcher Krista Watson pay off better than the stock market. Several times a game -- sometimes, it seemed, several times an inning -- the junior left-hander would greet the masked Watson midway by covering part of her face with her glove.

Sun-Times All-Area softball team

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

The 2009 Chicago Sun-Times All-Area softball team is loaded with talent, including Loyola pitcher and Sun-Times Player of the Year Devin Miller.

Sun-Times final softball rankings

BY MIKE CLARK mclark@suntimes.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Loyola, which won its first state title behind Player of the Year Devin Miller, is No. 1 in the final Sun-Times softball rankings for 2009.

Miller pitches Loyola to 4A championship

BY SCOTT POWERS — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

For the seventh consecutive playoff game, Devin Miller held her opponents scoreless, as Loyola defeated Edwardsville 2-0 to win the 4A state title.

Pitching grows on Loyola's Miller

BY MIKE CLARK mclark@suntimes.com — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Loyola pitcher Devin Miller is the 2009 Sun-Times Player of the Year.

Prucak's big day leads Oak Forest to 3A title

BY SCOTT POWERS — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Oak Forest senior Alyssa Prucak drove in two runs, score another and stole the first base of her career to lead Oak Forest past Chatham Glenwood 7-1 in the Class 3A state championship Saturday afternoon in Peoria.

Softball notes

By Scott Powers and Randy Whalen — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Notes from Saturday's softball action.

Norton leads Bengals to 3A title game

BY RANDY WHALEN -- SPECIAL TO THE SUN-TIMES — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:01 CST

Oak Forest's Emily Norton pitched out of numerous jams and the Bengals took advantage of their opportunities to defeat Burlington Central 4-0 Friday in the Class 3A state semifinals at EastSide Centre.

Loyola's Miller totally perfect vs. Fremd

BY RANDY WHALEN -- SPECIAL TO THE SUN-TIMES — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:01 CST

Loyola's Devin Miller fired an eight-inning perfect game as the Ramblers scored an unearned run in the bottom of the eighth to capture a 1-0 victory over Fremd Friday evening in the Class 4A semifinals at EastSide Centre.

Redhawks stumble in 4A semifinals

BY RANDY WHALEN -- SPECIAL TO THE SUN-TIMES — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:01 CST

Pitcher Natalie Wunderlich and her teammates were on the other end of a no-hitter as Edwardsville ace Lauren Francis no-hit Naperville Central 2-0 Friday in the Class 4A state semifinals at EastSide Centre.

Glenbard South falls in 3A semifinals

BY RANDY WHALEN -- SPECIAL TO THE SUN-TIMES — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:01 CST

Glenbard South's improbable run back to state hit a roadblock. The Raiders couldn't take advantage of eight Chatham Glenwood errors and fell 4-2 in the Class 3A semifinals Friday afternoon at EastSide Centre.

In stacked 4A deck, four aces loom large

BY SCOTT POWERS — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Each of the four teams remaining in the Class 4A softball draw have a dominant pitcher: Loyola's Devin Miller, Fremd's Lena Brottman, Naperville Central's Natalie Wunderlich and Edwardsville's Lauren Francis.

Underdog role fine with Glenbard South

BY SCOTT POWERS — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Overcoming considerable graduation losses and a 1-8 start, Glenbard South showed great resiliency by reaching the Class 3A semifinals for the second straight season.

'Bengal Express' ready for Burlington Central

BY TONY BARANEK tbaranek@southtownstar.com — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

The 'Bengals Express' is scheduled for a 9:30 a.m. arrival at EastSide Centre, where the team will play Burlington Central in the first of two semifinals. Glenbard South is to meet Chatham Glenwood at noon.

Priest provides divine 'D' for Rockets

By BRANDON MANGIA For The Courier-News — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:01 CST

Prep softball: Burlington Central softball coach Scot Sutherland says that four-year senior starter Brittany Priest will run into a fence for the team if she has to. Sutherland meant that in a literal sense. Priest has shined at first base for the Rockets over the past three years. But to earn a spot in the lineup as a freshman she had to play right field. It was then that Sutherland learned he was dealing with a pretty special player.

Redhawks set for Edwardsville

BY PAUL JOHNSON -- FOR THE SUN — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

For Naperville Central's softball team, advancement to the Class 4A state championship game in East Peoria Saturday will come down to a classic battle of strengths.

Why Southland teams are road warriors

BY TONY BARANEK tbaranek@southtownstar.com — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Tony Baranek: So how is it that Bloomington/Normal gets to host two softball supersectionals while the Southland � which has a gaggle of state-worthy programs and some nice softball facilities � gets none?

Burlington Central always draws crowd

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Burlington Central juniors Dave Zabilka, Aaron Kellenberger and Dan Damir Dorgan have been true blue � sometimes literally blue � fans of the Rockets softball team since the beginning of the season, attending every single game.

No stopping Norton, Oak Forest

BY CHRIS KUCHTA -- FOR THE SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Tue, 9 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Emily Norton pitched a three-hitter as Oak Forest earned its first trip to state in softball with a 4-0 win over Bloomington Tuesday in Class 3A supersectional action.

Edwardsville's sluggers trump Eagles

BY TONY BARANEK tbaranek@southtownstar.com — Tue, 9 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

No. 3 Sandburg rallied from a 3-0 deficit to tie Edwardsville, but the Tigers pushed across the decisive run in the top of the seventh to beat the Eagles 4-3 Tuesday in a Class 4A softball supersectional.

Freshman gives Rockets a spark

BY BRANDON MANGIA -- FOR THE COURIER NEWS — Tue, 9 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Haley Albamonte has stepped in as Burlington Central's center fielder as a freshman, batting .281 and helping the Rockets reach the Class 3A semifinals this weekend.

Miller, Ramblers stop McAuley again

BY CRAIG LYNCH — Mon, 8 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Devin Miller pitched a three-hitter and struck out 13, leading No. 1 Loyola past Mother McAuley 3-0 Monday in a Class 4A supersectional at Loyola University.

Fremd's Brottman closes out Wolves

BY SCOTT POWERS — Mon, 8 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Lena Brottman worked out of a seventh-inning jam to help No. 2 Fremd beat Prairie Ridge 3-1 on Monday in the Class 4A Barrington Supersectional, sending the Vikings to state for the first time since 2002.

Wunderlich bears down vs. Bartlett

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Mon, 8 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Natalie Wunderlich gave up a hit to the first batter she faced and no more the rest of the day, leading No. 5 Naperville Central past Bartlett 2-0 Monday in a Class 4A supersectional at Benedictine University.

Scott, Burlington blank Vernon Hills

BY BRANDON MANGIA -- FOR THE COURIER NEWS — Mon, 8 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Mackenzie Scott pitched a one-hitter to lead Burlington Central past Vernon Hills 2-0 Monday in a Class 3A supersectional at Northern Illinois University, clinching the Rockets' first trip to state.

Glenbard South heading back to state

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Mon, 8 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Jess Wilkes pitched a three-hitter to lead Glenbard South past Trinity 3-0 Monday in a Class 3A supersectional at Judson University.

Bengals, Eagles play waiting game

BY TONY BARANEK tbaranek@southtownstar.com — Mon, 8 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Tony Baranek: If Oak Forest senior shortstop Amanda Sheppard yawns every now and then during Tuesday afternoon's rescheduled Class 3A supersectional showdown with Bloomington, it won't have anything to do with boredom.

Sun-Times softball rankings

BY MIKE CLARK mclark@suntimes.com — Mon, 8 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Loyola remains No. 1, while Naperville Central jumps into the top 10 in this week's Sun-Times softball rankings.

Miller's arm, Aguilar's bat lead Loyola

BY CRAIG LYNCH — Sat, 6 Jun 2009 15:00 CST

Devin Miller pitched a no-hitter and Theresa Aguilar drove in the game's only run as top-ranked Loyola edged No. 4 New Trier 1-0 Saturday to win the Class 4A Loyola Sectional.

Biel, Gardner team up again for Sandburg

BY TONY BARANEK tbaranek@southtownstar.com — Sat, 6 Jun 2009 15:00 CST

For the second straight game, Megan Biel scored the only run and Brittany Gardner threw a shutout as No. 5 Sandburg edged No. 9 Lincoln-Way East 1-0 Saturday in the Lincoln-Way North Sectional final.

Wunderlich's two-hitter seals sectional

By DAVE PARKER Sun-Times News Group — Sun, 7 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

Prep softball: Whether Saturday's Class 4A Neuqua Valley Sectional championship between Lockport and Naperville Central went seven, 12 or 18 innings, the matchup was going to be close.

Hawks follow familiar formula

BY PAUL JOHNSON — Sat, 6 Jun 2009 15:00 CST

For the second time in three softball seasons, Bartlett has avenged two regular-season losseds with a win in the sectional final. This time, the Hawks edged St. Charles North 2-1 in Class 4A action at Lake Park.

Mighty Macs find a way to win vs. Reavis

BY ALAN MACEY amacey@southtownstar.com — Sat, 6 Jun 2009 15:00 CST

Katie Sears pitched a four-hitter and Mother McAuley used some well-timed bunts to beat host Reavis 2-0 Saturday in a Class 4A sectional final.

Bengals' Norton beats summer teammate

BY STEVE MILLAR -- FOR THE SOUTHTOWN STAR — Sat, 6 Jun 2009 15:00 CST

Oak Forest's Emily Norton outdueled her summer teammate, Mt. Assisi's Meg Kelly, as the Bengals prevailed 1-0 Saturday in the Class 3A Joliet Catholic Sectional final.

Trinity turns tables on Elmwood Park

BY MICHAEL WOJTYCHIW — Sat, 6 Jun 2009 15:00 CST

Host Trinity avenged a loss in last year's sectional final by beating Elmwood Park 12-4 Saturday in a Class 3A sectional championship.

Great Scott: Burlington stymies Sterling

By BRANDON MANGIA For The Courier-News — Mon, 8 Jun 2009 00:01 CST

Prep softball: It was only the first inning, but Sterling looked puzzled. When the Golden Warriors came up to bat on Saturday against Mackenzie Scott and the Burlington Central Rockets in the title game of the Rochelle Class 3A Sectional, it was obvious they had never seen a pitcher quite like Scott.

Saturday's softball roundup

Sat, 6 Jun 2009 15:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Saturday's softball action.

Coal City ends it in style

By RANDY WHALEN For The Herald News — Sun, 7 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

Prep softball: Before Saturday evening's third-place game Coal City coach Brad Schmitt told his team, "This is our championship." The Coalers then went out and played like it was.

Fremd walks off with sectional title

BY SCOTT POWERS — Sat, 6 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Fremd's Jenny Schneider drove a hit into the left field gap, driving in the winning run in the bottom of the eight to lead the Vikings past Barrington 1-0.

Glenbard South takes out Bulldogs

BY MATT LE CREN — Sat, 6 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Host Glenbard South continued its late-season tear, winning its 14th straight game, 3-2 over Riverside-Brookfield Saturday in a Class 3A sectional championship.

Coalers come close

BY RANDY WHALEN -- SPECIAL TO THE SUN-TIMES — Fri, 5 Jun 2009 17:00 CST

Despite another strong effort by pitcher Kirsten Verdun, Coal City was knocked off by Stanford Olympia 2-0 Friday in the Class 2A semifinals at EastSide Centre.

Reavis ready to show its worth

BY TONY BARANEK -- tbaranek@southtownstar.com — Fri, 5 Jun 2009 17:00 CST

More or less flying under the radar throughout the 2009 season, Reavis is two wins away from soaring into the state spotlight. The Rams (27-8) meet Mother McAuley (21-13-1) Saturday in the Class 4A Reavis Sectional championship game.

Daring baserunning helps Fillies move on

BY SCOTT POWERS — Fri, 5 Jun 2009 00:01 CST

Pinch-runner Mary Olandese's aggressive baserunning helped No. 2 Barrington manufacture the only run it would need to beat Lake Zurich 1-0 Thursday in a Class 4A softball sectional semifinal.

Sears delivers goods in McAuley's victory

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

In situations involving chaos on the basepaths, most pitchers would not be smiling.

Wunderlich leads Redhawks

By BRIAN MILLER For The Sun — Sat, 6 Jun 2009 00:01 CST

Prep softball: Naperville Central senior Natalie Wunderlich unleashed a no-hitter in the Redhawks' 1-0 win over Benet Academy during Thursday's sectional semifinal softball game at Neuqua Valley.

Kelly, Mount Assisi silence Tinley Park

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

With Meg Kelly on the mound, Mount Assisi knows one run might be all it needs.

Lockport beats Hornets with its aces

BY RANDY WHALEN — Thu, 4 Jun 2009 00:01 CST

Lockport pitchers Alyssa Vorel and Dana Bowler combined for a three-hitter as the Porters defeated Hinsdale South 3-1 Wednesday in the semifinals of the Class 4A Neuqua Valley Sectional.

Prairie Ridge tops South Elgin

BY ALEX LAWSON -- FOR THE COURIER NEWS — Wed, 3 Jun 2009 17:00 CST

What started as a pitchers� duel suddenly evolved into a late-inning shootout between South Elgin and Prairie Ridge in the Woodstock Class 4A Sectional semifinal game on Wednesday. The Storm put itself in a hole and could not rally, falling 5-3.

A welcome development for Rosary

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 00:01 CST

High School Softball: It's been a super spring for the Rosary athletic program. The track team won a sectional title and its soccer squad won a regional crown. Not as much was expected from the softball team, however. Seeded third in the four-team Class 3A Regional the Royals hosted last week, coach Tara Peters' squad entered the postseason at 11-17 but knocked off No. 2 seed Yorkville and No. 1 Sandwich to advance to the Rochelle Sectional. It was the first time since 1994 and only the third time in program history the softball team had won a regional crown.

Saturday's softball roundup

Sat, 30 May 2009 16:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Saturday's softball action.

Tuesday's softball roundup

Tue, 26 May 2009 18:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Tuesday's softball action.

Saturday's softball roundup

Sat, 23 May 2009 14:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Saturday's softball action.

Knights snap Burlington's streak

BY RANDY WHALEN — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:00 CST

Lincoln-Way Central, led by Jackie Dugan's two-hitter, ended Burlington Central�s 16-game winning streak with a 4-1 win Friday at the Dave Glasscock Memorial High School Softball Jamboree in Minooka.

Knights set up WSC showdown

By CHRISTINE BOLIN For The Beacon News — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:00 CST

Prep softball: On Thursday, the Kaneland softball team had great performances from one of its best from the present -- four-year starting senior Sara Rose -- and from their future in freshman Delaney Vest. In the Knights' Western Sun Conference 1-0 win over Batavia, Rose hit a solo home run and Vest threw a two-hit, sox-strikeout shutout on the Bulldogs' senior day.

Mistake-free Bulldogs best rival Geneva

By Paul Johnson -- For the Beacon News — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:00 CST

It should come as no surprise that Batavia posted a 2-0 Western Sun win over rival Geneva on Tuesday after playing errorless ball. The Bulldogs have not lost this season when committing one error or less.

Despite slow start, Knights thump Foxes

By STEVE NEMETH For The Beacon News — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:01 CST

For host Kaneland, Tuesday's Western Sun Conference softball meeting was a case of all's well that ends really well.

Sandburg knocks off top-ranked Loyola

BY STEVE TUCKER stucker@suntimes.com — Sat, 9 May 2009 12:00 CST

Junior Brittany Gardner tossed a two-hitter and Lexi Bryant had a home run and two RBI as Sandburg topped top-rated Loyola 3-0 Saturday in Orland Park.

Lockport, Oak Park battle to a split

BY RANDY WHALEN — Sat, 9 May 2009 12:00 CST

It was a day for offenses to get back on track as No. 5 Lockport and Oak Park split a nonconference doubleheader Saturday at Oak Park. The two teams combined for 36 hits in the twin bill.

Fillies' sophs step up vs. Fremd

BY SCOTT POWERS — Fri, 8 May 2009 17:00 CST

Led by sophomores Kiley Dolezal and Elizabeth Owen, Barrington fought back from a two-run deficit to avenge an earlier loss to Fremd with a 3-2 win Friday in Palatine.

Friday's softball roundup

Fri, 8 May 2009 17:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Friday's softball action.

Bulldogs' Rieuwpassa simply unhittable

BY MIKE MADIGAN -- SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-SUN — Fri, 8 May 2009 12:00 CST

Waukegan senior Stephanie Rieuwpassa took a perfect game into the seventh inning before finishing with a no-hitter in a 5-1 victory over Lake Forest on Friday.

Thursday's softball roundup

Thu, 7 May 2009 18:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Thursday's softball action.

No surprises in Central, North meeting

By TIM HEALY For The Sun — Thu, 7 May 2009 04:00 CST

Prep softball: Wet weather washed out Wednesday's game between Naperville Central and Naperville North, and that's too bad for anyone who was hoping to see a crosstown clash between the two rivals -- or to see Central star pitcher Natalie Wunderlich in action.

WSC race takes another dramatic turn

Wed, 6 May 2009 04:00 CST

Prep softball: Neither pitcher would blink. Geneva sophomore Kelly McCaffrey and Kaneland freshman Delani Vest locked horns in a classic duel Tuesday that the Vikings won 2-0 after finally pushing across two unearned runs in the sixth inning of another Western Sun Conference softball nail-biter. It only served to tighten the league title chase. Both teams now have three losses, a game behind swine flu-idled Batavia, which had several of its players in attendance.

Wolves outslug upstart archrivals

By Christine Bolin For The Beacon News — Wed, 6 May 2009 04:00 CST

OSWEGO -- Tuesday's softball game between Oswego and Oswego East was what rivalries are all about -- one team takes a big lead, only to have the underdog battle back and make it a game.

Saturday's softball roundup

Sat, 2 May 2009 14:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Saturday's softball action, updated throughout the day.

Double time: Gardner lifts Celtics

BY BILL SCHEIBE bscheibe@scn1.com — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Providence's Hannah Gardner, a junior second baseman, smacked a key two-run double as the Celtics earned a 3-0 victory over visiting Joliet Catholic on Wednesday.

Bartlett bounces back in big way vs. Elgin

BY BRANDON MANGIA -- FOR THE COURIER NEWS — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Bartlett pounded out 10 hits -- including two home runs -- committed no errors, and got great pitching from starter Callie Dennison. The result was a 12-0 win in six innings over Elgin on Friday.

Minooka rides Ruettiger past juvenated Joliet

BY BILL SCHEIBE bscheibe@scn1.com — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Kayla Ruettiger's game-winning RBI double capped Minooka's 6-5 come-from-behind win over visiting Joliet on Friday.

Gardner stars again as Eagles top Marist

BY RANDY WHALEN — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Brittany Gardner fired a no-hitter and struck out 13 as No. 4 Sandburg toppled host Marist 2-0 in a nonconference matchup Friday afternoon.

Antioch reaches 13th victory

By MIKE MADIGAN Special to the News-Sun — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00 CST

That's the spot Antioch High's softball team has found itself in during each of its first 13 games this spring. Thirteen may be an unlucky number for some, but for the red-hot Antioch High girls softball team, 13 didn't prove to be unlucky at all.

SC North too much for Larkin

By BRANDON MANGIA For The Courier-News — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:00 CST

Prep softball: Ever since Larkin's upset win over South Elgin last week, the Royals believed they could play with any team in the tough Upstate Eight Conference. They gave St. Charles North -- another top-tier opponent -- their best shot on Wednesday, but fell 7-1 in a well-played game by each team. The win is the fourth in a row for the North Stars.

Neuqua end drought vs. Lancers

By PAUL JOHNSON For The Sun — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:00 CST

Prep softball: The last time Neuqua Valley's softball team beat Lake Park, six years ago, coach Michelle Schmidt was not only not the coach of the team yet, she was still in college. But on Wednesday, the Wildcats broke that string with a 9-4 Upstate Eight Conference win over the Lancers, a win that also halted their four-game losing streak.

Benet holds Corsairs scoreless

By ROB WOLLENZIEN For The Sun — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:00 CST

Prep softball: Meghan Eastman found herself pitching to Carmel's No. 3 hitter with two on and none out in the first inning Wednesday. But the Benet senior worked her way out of the jam and her teammates rallied in the sixth for a 4-0 East Suburban Catholic Conference win.

Saturday's softball roundup

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Saturday's girls softball action.

Vikings start fast, upend No. 1 Lockport

BY TONY BARANEK tbaranek@southtownstar.com — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Homewood-Flossmoor scored four runs in the first inning against top-rated Lockport and never looked back, eventually pulling out a 4-1 victory on Friday. Pitcher Jessica Kuester went the distance for the Vikings.

Thursday's softball roundup

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Thursday's softball roundup.

Call it a draw between Fremd, Elk Grove

BY SCOTT POWERS — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

The much-anticipated meeting between softball powers, No. 5 Fremd and No. 10 Elk Grove, lived up to the hype. But neither team could separate itself from the other before the game was called due to darkness Wednesday.

Small ball lifts Maroons to win vs. Larkin

BY SCOTT MILLER -- FOR THE COURIER NEWS — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Elgin proved on Tuesday it's not always how far you hit the ball that counts. The Maroons hit just one ball out of the infield in the first inning, but still managed to score four runs.

Fremd rocks and rolls

BY SCOTT POWERS — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:00 CST

Fremd junior Tess Dinterman homered and drove in seven runs on the day as the Vikings swept Saturday's doubleheader with Mundelein. Jessica Tackett, Lauren Zaworski and Jenny Schneider also homered for the Vikings.

Brown leads Knights

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:01 CST

Prep softball: How low can you go? For Joliet Catholic Academy pitcher Margaret Koncar, it was a case of either too low or not low enough in both the fifth and sixth innings Saturday morning against Lincoln-Way Central cleanup hitter Gina Brown.

Sandburg, Gardner in a 'groove'

BY RANDY WHALEN — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:00 CST

Brittany fired a one-hit shutout and struck out 15 as No. 3 Sandburg defeated Minooka 5-0 Saturday in a nonconference game.

Saturday's softball roundup

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Saturday's softball action.

Redhawks fly over Redwings in extras

By ANDREW PHILLIPS For The Sun — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Prep softball: A pitching gem and extra-inning excitement. So was the story of the Naperville Central softball team's 2-1 win over Benet in 12 innings on Thursday. Redhawks pitcher Alyssa Wunderlich struck out 20.

Anello spurs Bartlett's rally past Lake Park

STAFF REPORT — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Trailing in the top of the seventh inning, Bartlett scored four runs to rally for a 5-3 win over host Lake Park on Friday. Rachel Anello had two RBI for the Hawks.

Thursday's softball roundup

Thu, 9 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Thursday's softball action.

Ramblers show off skills in win over Oak Park

BY SCOTT POWERS — Wed, 8 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Paced by Maggie Mullen's three-run triple and a strong performance by pitcher Devin Miller, No. 5 Loyola defeated No. 6 Oak Park 3-1 Wednesday.

Verdun gives Coal City an ace in the deck

BY BILL SCHEIBE bscheibe@scn1.com — Tue, 7 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

After sharing the pitching duties last spring with North Central College recruit Katie Crawford, Coal City junior Kirsten Verdun entered the season far less brash than Johnson but far and away ready for the ace�s role. She wants the darn ball. Always.

Wekony delivers for Fillies vs. Lane

BY SCOTT POWERS — Sat, 4 Apr 2009 15:00 CST

Barrington freshman Jordan Wekony drove in four runs and scored once as the No. 4 Fillies defeated visiting Lane 8-0 in a nonconference game on Saturday.

H-F rolls out the hits

BY TONY BARANEK tbaranek@southtownstar.com — Wed, 1 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Homewood-Flossmoor had a heck of a good time smashing the ball all over the place in Wednesday�s 13-1 nonconference win over host Evergreen Park. Megan Harkins led the Vikings, going 4-for-4 with three triples, two RBI and five runs.

Wednesday's softball roundup

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Wedneday's softball action.

Oswego East shuts down Rosary

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 04:00 CST

Prep softball: Oswego East's Ashley Michalek didn't realize she had a no-hitter going when she returned to the pitching circle for the sixth inning Wednesday at Rosary. And in that sixth, she gave up the only hits she would allow -- singles to Brenda Rocha and Lauren McNally -- when the Royals scored their only run in a 4-1 non-conference setback.

Aurora Central grabs first win

By CHRISTINE BOLIN For The Beacon News — Thu, 2 Apr 2009 04:00 CST

Prep softball: The Aurora Central Catholic softball team earned its first win of the season in a most impressive way -- with a no-hitter and a whole bunch of strikeouts. Casey Regnier posted 16 strikeouts in the Chargers' 10-0 win in six innings against Aurora Christian in non-conference action Wednesday.

Rockets' Scott stifles Sabres

By SCOTT MILLER For The Courier-News — Thu, 2 Apr 2009 04:00 CST

Prep softball: If a team puts the ball in play enough times, eventually something good is bound to happen. That was the case for Burlington Central on Wednesday.

Jacobs, Huntley solid in FVC

By BRANDON MANGIA For The Courier-News — Thu, 2 Apr 2009 04:00 CST

Prep softball preview: Replacing a load of graduated talent is the task for the Jacobs softball program this season. The Golden Eagles lost a lot from a team that finished 27-4 and went a perfect 15-0 in the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division last year.

Burlington primed for more success in '09

By BRANDON MANGIA For The Courier-News — Wed, 1 Apr 2009 04:00 CST

Another undefeated record in the Big Northern Conference East Division might be on tap this year for the Burlington Central softball team. The Rockets return ace senior pitcher Mackenzie Scott, who went 16-1 with a 0.78 ERA last year. Scott was slowed to start this season by a leg injury, but junior Jet Klein stepped right in and was effective.

Lock 'em in: Porters are team to beat

BY STEVE TUCKER stucker@suntimes.com — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:00 CST

Sun-Times softball rankings: This year�s Lockport team looks as formidable as ever with 10 players returning from a 29-7 season, and expectations are high. The Porters start the season in the top spot.