Glenbrook South downs rival North

Updated: June 2, 2011 9:58PM

In a battle of experience versus youth, experience was victorious.

No. 2-seed Glenbrook South (23-10) dismantled No.-6 seed Glenbrook North (16-11-1) 8-1 in the New Trier Sectional semifinals Thursday.

Both sides were able to grab five hits, but two players stood out to give the Titans a seven run advantage.

GBS, with 10 of its 13 players being seniors, advanced behind the pitching of junior Jen Zucker and the hitting of senior second baseman Mykenzie Buzard.

“We’re really relaxed and we’re really confident,” said Buzard. “We all get along great, we have no drama and it’s a lot of fun.”

The Spartans, with just one of its 14 players a senior, could not overcome five errors to keep their postseason alive.

Buzard started the scoring in the first as she brought in two runs on a single, which snuck past junior outfielder Katie Riley.

In the third inning, the senior second baseman proved to be clutch again and cleared the bases on a single to right-center field to extend the lead to 5-0.

“I was just relaxing and making sure I stay confident,” Buzard said. “I just wanted to drive the ball and get my runners in.”

The Titans finished up their hitting in the fifth as they scored three more runs on a wild pitch, an error and a fielder’s choice.

With the win out of sight, GBN salvaged the shutout with a double from sophomore catcher Jenny McTague.

Zucker finished off the complete game win allowing just one run on five hits with two walks and 10 strikeouts.

Opposing starter, freshman Ashley Gruenberg also allowed just five hits, but gave up eight runs and four walks and struck out one.

Buzard finished 3-for-3 with three singles and five RBI.

The Titans will meet up with sectional host New Trier Saturday at 11 a.m. in the championship game.

“I think we need to treat it no differently,” said Buzard. “Yea, they beat us twice, but third time’s a charm so we’re going to beat them.”

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