Ryndaks pace Downers North past rival

Updated: April 9, 2011 7:38PM

Sisters Kendall and Dale Ryndak have a special bond on the softball field, evident by the competitive though playful gestures and private asides the two share during the course of a game.

They also clearly bring out the best in each other's game.

The Downers Grove North pitchers combined for a one-hitter and freshman Dale Ryndak blasted a home run that powered the visiting No. 10 Trojans past No. 12 Downers South 5-0 Thursday afternoon.

Senior Kendall Ryndak ran her record to 4-0 in throwing five nearly flawless innings. Dale Ryndak earned her second save of the year, getting three strikeouts and not allowing a ball out of the infield.

"I was nervous, I had butterflies on the bus on the way over to the game, because I was so (pumped) about playing South," Dale Ryndak said. "It's just such a thrill for me to be able to play with my sister."

The sisters faced the minimum 21 batters, allowing just two base runners. Kendall Ryndak walked the first batter she faced, South centerfielder Marissa Mersch, who was thrown out attempting to steal second.

Downers South (4-2) managed only one hit, a single by Katy LaCivita in the bottom of the fifth. North senior shortstop Katie Hunzinger, spectacular in the field, made a brilliant diving catch and finished the superb double play by doubling the pinch runner off first by throwing from her knees. "I don't like to let any ball get past me, especially any ball hit between second and third," Hunzinger said.

Kendall Ryndak recorded a lone strikeout, but she masterfully kept Downers South‘s hitters off balance with excellent location and movement on her fast ball. "South is a very talented team with a lot of big bats, and for us to give up just one hit and allow two runners is a great compliment, not just to me, but the whole team," Kendall Ryndak said.

Brittany Nagy put the Trojans (7-0) up 1-0 in the top of the second with a single that drove in Hunzinger. Dale Ryndak extended the lead to 2-0 with a solo home run with two outs in the top of the fifth.

"The pitch was low, and I just kind of golfed it," Dale Ryndak said. It was her second home run of the year. Downers North broke the game open in the sixth by collecting four extra-base hits. Nagy's double drove in Sam Yeager, who also doubled. First baseman Jenna Butler punctuated the impressive victory with a two-run home run to center field.

"It was a total team victory," Downers North coach Mark Margo said.

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