Cary-Grove swings into action against Jacobs

With the temperature in the low 60s, the Cary-Grove lumber heated up, producing 15 runs and 15 hits in pummeling Jacobs 15-2 in the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division opener for both softball teams in Algonquin on Thursday afternoon.

"We have experimented with some lineups early this season, but today's lineup 1 through 9 really swung the bats aggressively," Cary-Grove coach Tammy Olson said. "We may keep this lineup for awhile. We were very focused and disciplined at the plate."

The Trojans (3-2, 1-0) didn't waste in time seizing control of the game, scoring 6 runs on Jacobs pitcher Kelsey Peters in the first inning. With 10 batters coming to the plate, the key hits were an RBI double by Brianne Plank and run-producing singles from Jamie Deering and Grace Pilz.

The Trojans put the game in the win column with 7 in the third. The big hit came from No. 9 hitter Sarah Purpura, who crushed a 3-run double. Deering, Prank, Lisa Semro and Pilz had RBI singles in the inning.

The Trojans hit barrage was led by Deering (3 runs scored, 3 RBI) and Prank (3 RBI) with 3 hits apiece.

"We were super focused and our bats were on fire 1 through 9," said Deering. "We knew it was the first conference game and we met the challenge."

Winning pitcher Amanda DeGroote, Pilz (2 RBI, 3 runs scored) and Purpura (4 RBI) collected 2 hits each for the winners.

Jacobs (5-2, 0-1), which managed 2 runs and 8 hits off DeGroote in 5 innings, scored 1 in the fourth on a solo homer by Emily Borg and 1 in the fifth on Alyssa Lach's RBI double. Lach collected 2 doubles for the Golden Eagles.

"Kelsey (Peters) never figured out the strike zone and walked too many batters," said Jacobs coach Jeremy Bauer, 'We dug ourselves way too big a hole and let the game get away from us in the first inning. Cary-Grove swung the bats very well. They are a very good hitting team and they showed it. They hit the ball up the middle and between the five and six holes. They found every hole."