Buffalo Grove clinches in MSL East

For the first time this century, Buffalo Grove will play for the Mid-Suburban League softball championship.

Under third-year coach Jamie Paul, the Bison clinched the MSL East on Monday with a 6-5 victory over visiting Hersey.

The Huskies (5-17, 3-13) rallied from a 5-0 deficit to tie the game in the top of the fourth inning before BG scored the decisive run in the bottom of the sixth.

Sophomore Caitlin Catino (2-for-4) led off with a single, advanced to second on a walk to classmate Dea Barton (2-for-3). Catino eventually came home on an error.

The Bison (14-8, 10-5) will host Barrington (28-1, 16-0) on Thursday in the title game at 5 p.m.

Barrington edged the Bison 2-0 earlier in the season at Buffalo Grove.

“This was a goal for our girls all along,” Paul said. “They talked about winning their side of the league and playing in the conference championship.”

Sophomore Julia Camardo (13-7), who belted a 3-run homer in the first inning, tossed a 6-hitter with 9 strikeouts and 2 walks for the win over Hersey’s Sarah Platt, who walked only one.

Angela Schmiederer belted a homer for Hersey while Kristina Dakas doubled for BG.

Rolling Meadows 13, Elk Grove 4: Sam Anderson (2-for-5, double), Jenny Watson (4-for-5, 3 RBI), Grace Skorin (2-for-4, triple), Hannah Whidden (2-for-4, 3 RBI, double), Kika Mahoe (double), Chloe Prodanovic (2-for-4) and Sarah Caprio (2-for-3) led the 18-hit attack for host Meadows (16-13, 6-10).

Anderson capped the Mustangs’ scoring by belting a 2-run homer in the sixth. It was her sixth homer of the season and 16th of her career.

“This is what I thought we were capable of doing all season and hopefully we can carry it on the rest of the spring,” said Meadows coach Tony Wolanski. “Sara (Brunlieb, pitcher) did a nice job and we gave her good support (only 1 error).”

Brunleib (12-12) won her 47th career game with 5 strikeouts and no walks.

Elisa Payne (2-for-3, 2 doubles, 2 RBI), Marjorie Sloan (2-for-3) and pitcher Megan Eul (double) led the offense for Elk Grove (21-12, 8-8).

Grens Hall of Fame coach Ken Grams needs one more win for 800 in his career.

Conant 14, Palatine 7: Junior Telly Hunter belted a triple and double while going 5-for-5 with 4 RBI and a stolen base for Conant (14-9, 9-7).

Other multiple hitters for the Cougars were Hailey Rothsetin (2-for-4, RBI) and Dream Aaron (2-for-4, RBI) while teammate Rachel O’Malley doubled.

Freshman Kali Schumacher (8-5) struck out six and walked one while earning the win.

Senior catcher Lauren Logan belted a home run and went 3-for-5 for Palatine (16-11, 10-6) with 3 RBI.

Pirates pitcher Megan Hedstrom (12-11), who struck out five, went 3-for-4 with a double.

Other multiple hitters for the host Pirates were Courtney English (2-for-4), Kenzie Craver (2-for-3, double) and Grace Rohrwasser (2-for-4).

Schaumburg 4, Hoffman Estates 0: Pitcher Hannah Kerr improved to 7-2 for host Schaumburg (17-8, 9-7).

The Saxons were led on offense by Dana Giannelli (3-for-3, home run, RBI) and Shannon Felde (3-for-3, 2 doubles, RBI).

Other hits for the hosts were by Paige Alt (RBI), Christina Candotti, Carly Brossard, Julia Bellinger and Jamie Kudjer.

Sam Acosta and Jordyn Fera (double) had the hits for Hoffman (3-21, 3-13).

It was the Saxons’ Senior Day as senior Kerr pitched a 2-hitter with 9 strikeouts.

“The seniors all did a great job,” said Saxons coach Ellen Stoddard.

Prospect 8, Wheeling 6: Prospect pitcher Casey Lenski struck out six to run her record to 4-0.

Maggie Pancini (2-for-4) Michele Molini (3-for-4, RBI, double), Ally Schuldt (3-for-4, 2 RBI, double), Angela Roman (2-for-4, triple) and Meghan Doyle (double) led the offense for the visiting Knights (8-17, 6-10), who rallied with 4 runs in the top of the seventh.

Sara Kern (1-for-2, double), Nikki Mikosz (2-for-4), pitcher Katie Quagliano (2-for-4, double, 2 RBI), Rebecca Falkiner (2-for-4, RBI) and Megan Olsen (double) led the offense for Wheeling (7-16, 1-15) on its senior day.

Maine West 2, Deerfield 1; Senior Ariel Valles (2-for-3, RBI) earned the win and had the game-winning double in the bottom of the seventh.

Sadie Argus (2-for-3, 1 run) and Abbey Herling (1-for-2, 1 run) were also offensive leaders for West, which received some clutch defensive plays behind Valles.

Benet 10, St. Viator 0 (5 inn.): Sam Hogan had a double for the Lions (6-22) in the East Suburban Catholic Conference game in Lisle.