Rolling Meadows’ success looks familiar

With so many familiar faces back after graduating only one player, Rolling Meadows’ Sara Brunlieb says the Mustangs softball team is working quite well together.

Brunlieb’s work on the mound has gone quite well, too.

The sophomore right-hander improved to 3-0 on Saturday with a 4-3 win over visiting Maine South and she picked up save when the Mustangs won 8-4 in Game 2.

“Sara has pitched great all season,” said Meadows coach Tony Wolanski, whose team improved to 4-1.

Maine South (2-2) had not given up a run until Saturday.

But the Mustangs were able to get four in Game 1 with sophomore Emily Hattory (2-for-3) and Kelly Keyzer (2-for-3) each getting an RBI.

“She’s (Brunlieb) got a lot of movement on the ball,” said Hawks coach Emmy Pasier, who was also an assistant coach for Maine South’s girls basketball team which was third in the Class 4A state tourney. “It moves away from right-handed hitters. It took us a while to get used to. We had our chances but just didn’t connect.”

Brunlieb and Keyzer (senior catcher) have connected real well as the Mustangs’ battery.

“She (Keyzer) frames the ball so well and we really know how to each other after having a full season together,” said Brunlieb, who has not given up an earned run in her last 17 innings and only 2 in 24 innings. “My curve ball was working well (Saturday). And I have confidence in my infield and my catcher.”

Senior Kayla Mueller (1-0) picked up the win in Game 2, throwing the first 4 innings with 1 strikeout and 2 walks. Brunlieb struck out two in the final three innings.

Top hitters for the Mustangs were sophomore Sam Anderson (2-for-4), senior Abby Matayka (2-for-4, RBI), senior Emily Skorin (2-for-3, 3 RBI) and junior Nicole Cannizzo (3-for-3, 2 RBI).

Playing in her first varsity game, freshman Chloe Prodonovic lined a single to left field in her third at-bat for her first career hit.

Junior Josie Suchecki (elbow) and freshman Grace Skorin (quad pull), both starters, did not play Saturday.

“To get two wins with two girls injured was good,” Wolanski added.