Schaumburg stands firm against Barrington

With a chance to retain first place in the Mid-Suburban West, Schaumburg's softball team held its ground against visiting Barrington on Monday.

And a groundball up the middle by junior left fielder Sarah Schwind proved to be the game-ender as it rolled into centerfield to drive home the final run in the Saxon's 10-0 victory.

Schwind's hit came after leadoff batter Elaine Walker (2-for-3) had doubled to right to score Michelle Birkholz (1-for-2).

Schwind's walk-off capped a day where she went 2-for-3 at the plate with a sacrifice bunt in the first inning.

"This was exciting," Schwind said about the win that improved the Saxons to 16-1 and 7-0. "Coach (Ellen Abreu) said that we would get only one good pitch from her (Barrington ace Keenan Dolezal who is 16-5). The others were going to be hard to hit. She is a very smart pitcher."

The Saxons also have a top flight pitcher in junior Paige Alt, who remained perfect in nine decision by tossing a 2-hitter with 5 strikeouts.

Alt faced just one over the minimum (walk to Kelly Katis in the first inning) heading in the fifth inning when freshman Julia Kozar and junior Brittany Glowacki each singled for the Fillies (17-5, 5-2).

But Alt recorded a strikeout for the final out and the Saxons were able to win the game by the 10-run rule in the bottom of the fifth.

"I just tried to keep hitting my spots," said Alt, who also went 2-for-2 with a walk. "I knew they were a tough-hitting team. But if they hit the ball, I know my teammates will be there behind me. This feels awesome to win this game."

"It's definitely a big week," Schwind added. "Getting this win takes some pressure off us but now we have to forget it and get ready for another big one at Conant (on Wednesday)."

The Saxons jumped ahead 3-0 in the second inning when Alt, Christina Candotti and Birkholz all crossed the plate on illegal pitches.

The Saxons got their first hit in the third inning when Alt singled to right.

Candotti followed with a walk but Dolezal escaped with a grounder back to the mound.

Schaumburg collected 4 hits for its 5 runs in the fourth inning, including RBI singles from Walker, Schwind and Shannon Felde. Alt then ripped a 2-run double to left field for the 8-0 cushion.

"Pitching, defense and timely hitting," said Schaumburg coach Ellen Abreu, who also received a sacrifice bunt from third basemnan Natalie Napier and 2 walks from center fielder Kaiden Jackson. "Paige (Alt) pitched very well against very disciplined lineup."