Gary-Grove takes down Jacobs- again

Updated: June 2, 2011 9:03PM

ROCKFORD --- Hard to say just how far Jacobs could soar in the postseason if not for Cary-Grove’s ability to keep them figuratively tethered.

For the second consecutive year, the Trojans ended Jacobs’ season with a sectional round loss and on Thursday, the 5-0 shutout was also the fourth time in the 2011 campaign that Cary-Grove defeated their fellow Fox Valley Conference member. In this instance, the victory boosts coach Tammy Olson’s crew to a stellar 30-1 --- two wins shy of last year’s school record for single-season (32-7) wins and also two triumphs away from the Class 4A Final Four.

While Saturday’s championship game was announced by host Rockford Guilford as having been moved from 11 am to 3 pm to accommodate DeKalb’s graduation, Olson indicated that time created a conflict for the Trojans.

For Jacobs, the season closes with a 21-12 record with one-third of losses coming at the hands of Cary-Grove – the team that owns the only two victories over the Eagles within their last 16 contests. Last year, the 5-2 win by the Trojans kept Jacobs from a sectional plaque.

Despite an error that enabled Cary-Grove to get a pair of baserunners into scoring position in the top of the first, Jacobs starter Marissa Lombardo and the Eagle defense got through the first four innings without yielding a run. In fact, it was Jacobs in the bottom of the second that had the best scoring chance in the early going.

Lombardo helped her own cause with a one-out single before pinch runner Kaitlyn Woloszyk got to second on Maggie Hansen’s sacrifice bunt. Nicky Chapa’s grounder resulted in an overthrow error but Cary-Grove right fielder Megan Leineberg was able to gun Woloszyk down at the plate.

“They proved what a good club they are by executing a good throw and a good tag but we tried because the odds were in our favor,” Jacobs coach Jeremy Bauer said. “Their right fielder was on target; the catcher caught it and got the out.”

While Lombardo acknowledged the play could’ve changed the contest, the Eagle right-hander also noted that it was but one part of the Trojans’ success as her pitching record slipped to 12-6.

“No question a run would have helped us, but what happened happens and in the end it was all a matter of who executed better,” Lombardo said. “Having played them (three times before) we knew what to expect (so getting a first win over C-G) it was more of a challenge.”

Although Jacobs came into the contest with a trio of batters (Alyssa Lach, Jenna Teson and Morehead State signee Kara Arceneaux) hitting over .400, it was a six-hit, five-run top of the fifth that virtually decided the contest.

Cary-Grove’s Jamie Deering led off with a double, No. 9 hitter Sara Markelonis had a bloop hit land behind the pitching circle, and Eleni Polites bunted safely before Alexis Haley’s grounder eluded Jacobs’ diving shortstop to push home the first run. Emma Gaulke then tripled to left to clear the bases and then alertly noticed no one called time as Eagle catcher Jess Campbell walked to the pitching circle. As a result, the senior stole home for the 5-0 lead.

“The girls did a great job as a team in that inning,” Olson said. “Jamie started it off with a hit, then Sara’s duck snort, Eleni’s hustle on the bunt and they kept the hits coming. They were patient and stayed throughout their at-bats.”

That was all that was really needed for Cary-Grove ace Lindsay Efflandt to improve her record to 27-1 as she gave up just three hits and stranded six in going the distance for the win.

“She was right on with her pitching and really clicking in placing the ball,” Olson said. “She’s been known for her composure and it showed today.”

Despite Bauer having seen his Eagles enjoy some success against Efflandt, he had to compliment Efflandt and the Trojan defense.

“She pitched a good game, kept us off balance and as a team they played a good, solid game defensively,” Bauer said. “Offensively, they continued to put pressure on us and came up with the one big inning. Unfortunately for us we were never able to capitalize on their errors. When they beat us in the sectional final last year, we lost a few key seniors, but this year’s team believed they could make it back (to sectionals) and they picked it up at the end of the season. I’m still very proud of them and their efforts.”

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