Glenbard West surprises Glenbard South

The Glenbard West softball team could not have asked for a better sendoff into the postseason than what happened Friday.

The Hilltoppers (12-20) got solid pitching and timely hitting to beat host Glenbard South 4-2 in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Catcher Shelley Warmolts deposited a 1-2 pitch well over the left-field fence in the sixth inning for her seventh homer of the season. The 2-run shot gave Glenbard West its first lead of the day at 3-2 and it didn't let go. Warmolts' shot also scored leadoff hitter Bridget McGregor. whose well-placed groundball ended up as an infield hit.

"It felt real good," Warmolts said of connecting for the home run. "I was hoping it was going to make it over."

The Hilltoppers, the 12th seed of the Class 4A Rolling Meadows sectional, host their own regional and open play at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday against seventh-seeded Bartlett.

"It's a big confidence boost to have your best game of the season at the end," Warmolts said.

Pitcher Caylin Potter earned the complete-game victory, allowing just 5 hits and striking out 3. She was also crucial at the plate as her single to left, which also came with a 1-2 count, brought home Rachel Terwilliger for the crucial insurance run to make it 4-2. Terwilliger had blasted a triple to the right-field corner with two out to reach base.

"Caylin had a great game. We had some quality at-bats and we made good adjustments," said Glenbard West coach Mary McGrane.

The Raiders (22-8) reached the scoreboard first in the bottom of the third inning. Leadoff hitter Payton Carli singled to left. Ashley Cohen's single to center moved Carli into scoring postition. Taylor Carli's infield hit then scored Payton Carli.

Glenbard West tied the game at 1 in its half of the fifth when Terwilliger singled to left and was brought home on Katie Stone's basehit.

Glenbard South retook the lead at 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth when Payton Carli doubled. With one out Cohen hit the ball back to Potter, who threw to Warmolts, but Payton Carli beat the throw and Cohen reached on a fielder's choice. The Raiders, seeded second in the Class 3A Montini sectional, also host their own regional and open semifinal play at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday against 15th-seeded Guerin.

Coach Julie Fonda said the Raiders are ready for the postseason, which she stresses won't be easy with St. Edward a possible regional final opponent. And if Glenbard South advances, St. Francis and Montini might be additional challenges. She said her team will learn from what she called a "healthy loss."

"We'll hit the reset button. We didn't come ready to play and we will refocus," she said.