Zucker one-hitter fuels Glenbrook South

Updated: May 28, 2011 4:11PM

No. 2 seed Glenbrook South captured the program’s first regional title since 2001, and did so in emphatic fashion.

The Titans (22-10) got a three-run home run from senior shortstop Maddy Stark and a one-hit pitching performance from junior Jen Zucker as they defeated No. 7 Niles West 10-0 in six innings to win Saturday’s Class 4A Niles West Regional final.

Zucker, who struck out eight, was making her return to action after missing 10 days with tendinitis in her throwing arm.

“We gave Jen a rest and we want her to be healthy. We all perform well when she is,” Glenbrook South head coach Kay Sopocy said. “When she’s pitching, we can pretty much keep people in a strong defensive alignment.”

Glenbrook South scored six runs in the bottom of the second as senior first baseman Carrie Watkins knocked in a run with a single, senior catcher Janet Schwartz plated two with a single and Stark followed with her three-run blast.

In the bottom of the fourth, GBS senior centerfielder Kim Lohre knocked in two with a double and senior second baseman Mykenzie Buzard had an RBI single.

Buzard ended the game in the bottom of the sixth when, on a fielder’s choice, she knocked in Stark with the 10th run, which activated the mercy rule.

Niles West (17-17) had lost its two regular pitchers during the season and threw two freshmen in the game. Freshman Payton Genis had a solid pitching outing after entering in the third. She gave up three runs, but all were unearned.

Senior catcher Joanna LeFevre had the Wolves’ lone hit.

“(Zucker) is a good pitcher. She hit her spots and is well-disciplined,” LeFevre said. “(Glenbrook South) was just a better team. There is nothing you can do about that some times.”

Glenbrook South advances to Thursday’s New Trier Sectional semifinal where it will face the Glenbrook North Regional winner at 4:30 p.m.

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