L-W Central knocks out New Trier in 10

Desi DeMarco and Cassie Redman (right) embrace after DeMarco scored the game-winning run against New Trier.
(Matt Marton/SouthtownStar)

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EAST PEORIA — It was Amanda Rafferty’s turn. Lincoln-Way Central has run through the state tournament with a different hero every game.

On Friday, Rafferty punched a two-out single up the middle in the bottom of the 10th inning that scored Desi DeMarco from second to give the Knights a 1-0 Class 4A victory over New Trier at EastSide Centre.

“We all can hit,” Rafferty said. “I guess it was just my turn. I’m still shaking. I was shaking since the game started. I was nervous.”

DeMarco walked to start the 10th and was bunted to second by Gina Brown. DeMarco also had the defensive play of the game in the bottom of the eighth when she caught a fly in center and threw out Molly Spence of New Trier, who had tagged up at third.

“In my whole career, I might have had a play like that a couple times,” DeMarco said. “It seemed to me like the fly [off the bat of New Trier’s Kathleen Creevy] was taking forever to come down. I saw the runner on third in the corner of my eye and just let it go. It took a little detour but I knew it was close to being there. Brit [catcher Brittnie Boerema] did an awesome job.”

“I knew that Desi would get it done,” Lincoln-Way Central pitcher Jackie Dugan said.

Demarco, who wears bright orange contacts that are Blu-Blockers, said when Rafferty got her hit, nothing but crossing the plate entered her mind.

“When I was on second, I just wanted to get a run any way we could get it,” DeMarco said. “As soon as it was hit, I put my head down and didn’t stop. That is what makes us a team. Anyone in the lineup, one through nine can do it.”

“If their center fielder doesn’t make a great play, we have a run,” New Trier coach John Cadwell said. “If that throw is off a little, or high, she’s safe. We challenged them to make a great play and they did.”

Rafferty’s RBI broke up a great pitching duel between Dugan and New Trier’s Kelsey Lee. Dugan (18-7) allowed three hits and struck out 11 for the Knights (32-9).

Lee (21-7) gave up five hits and fanned eight for the Trevians (28-10).

“I’m tired and I’m happy,” Lincoln-Way Central coach Dick Mandella said. “Both pitchers came up big. And we got some momentum from DeMarco’s throw.”

“In a game like that, what can you say?,” Cadwell said. “It was a great game. Both girls pitched their hearts out. It was like two heavyweights. I don’t think Kelsey pitched a better game all year. This group has never played it safe. They have no reason to hang their heads.”