Softball: Lake County roundup

Libertyville's softball team keeps winning.

The visiting Wildcats topped Lake Zurich 8-5 in North Suburban Lake Division action Friday to improve to 21-8. It's the first time since 1988 that Libertyville (28-9 last year) has enjoyed back-to-back 20-win seasons.

Winning pitcher Hannah Heraty executed a successful suicide squeeze in the seventh to add an insurance run. The Wildcats got 2 hits apiece from Kenzie Rother, Jessie Lauret (double) and Jamie Stevens (double, 3 RBI). Michaela Mooney was 1-for-3 with a double.

Libertyville benefitted from great defense, too.

Sam Hilldale made a diving catch up the middle and doubled off the runner at second. Her sister Emily Hilldale finished the inning with a diving catch on the line in left field.

"Our team did a great job of scoring throughout the game and putting pressure on the defense," coach Elissa Wisniewski said.

Amanda Guercio (triple, 3 RBI) and Melissa Goldberg (double) were both 2-for-3 for Lake Zurich. Bears pitcher Katie Malek struck out eight and allowed 5 earned runs in 7 innings of work.

Antioch 14, Niles North 9: Annie Wagner was 3-for-5 with 3 RBI for the visiting Sequoits in the nonconference game.

Antioch (21-6) got 2 hits apiece from Taylor Schiltz (double, RBI), Ashley Stephens (double, 2 RBI), Jill Foote (double, 2 RBI), Jaclyn Geraty and Amanda Costain (double). Jessica Pedersen contributed a double.

Wauconda 13, Vernon Hills 0: Kayla Wedl fired a 2-hit shutout with 12 strikeouts, as the visiting Bulldogs won the North Suburban Prairie game in five innings.

Brooke Sefcik was 4-for-4 with a double, and Paige Motley went 3-for-3 with a double and 3 runs scored to lead the way offensively for Wauconda (22-10, 9-1). Wedl also doubled and was 2-for-4. Anna Wisniewski and Sarah Ricci had 2 hits apiece, as well.

Crystal Lake Central 6, Grant 1: Kenzie Sancken was 1-for-3 with an RBI, and Jenna Wilson doubled for the Bulldogs in their nonconference loss.