Waubonsie Valley shuts out Glenbard West in five innings
The Waubonsie Valley softball team's offense made a grand entrance into the 2016 season during the third inning of Monday's opener at Glenbard West.
The Warriors scored 10 runs on 8 hits during the third and fourth innings to prevail 10-0 in five innings.
"Last week we were getting ready for game day and working really hard on hitting," said catcher Michele Calabrese, who finished with 4 RBI, including a 3-run homer in the fourth.
Calabrese added teamwork is crucial to good hitting, and that it was evident by the Warriors on Monday.
"The hitters up first will say the pitcher is throwing here and there and we'll know what to expect," she said.
Calabrese connected on an RBI single in the third and Sabrina Calabrese's groundout also plated a run. Veronica Zahn, Tiffany Kuta, Michele Calabrese and Caleigh Cramer scored the first of their 2 runs each during the third.
The big fourth inning began with leadoff hitter Zahn walking and Kuta reaching on a bunt. That set the stage for Michele Calabrese, who deposited a 1-2 pitch over the center-field fence. Waubonsie didn't let up as Cramer walked and scored on Sabrina Calabrese's double to left. She came home on Kiara Bryant's triple.
"We've been working on that (hitting) in practice, hitting the ball up the middle," said Waubonsie coach Val Wood. "We try to get them to stay within themselves and help find their pitch. They are listening to what we have them do. They absorb it. We just want to keep the momentum of today going."
While the hitting by the Warriors was on full power, so was the pitching. Stephanie Wilczynski allowed just 4 hits while striking out 11 with an effective changeup. She struck out the side in the fourth and came close to doing it in the fifth except for a single that went off her shin and couldn't be fielded.
"I get hit all the time. I'm wearing shin guards," Wilczynski said smiling. "I guess we were all a little nervous. Once we got through that initial nervousness, we played well."
Wood said Wilczynski pitched well, especially after the Warriors got the big lead.
"That always helps a lot (a big lead). It makes you a little more relaxed. The defense did a nice job behind her. That helped her work her pitches and throw how she wants to throw and have command of the game," she said.
As for the Hilltoppers, coach Mary McGrane said Glenbard West is a work in progress.
"I told them (in the postgame meeting) that I was not that concerned," she said. "We only have one player return to the same position as last year and that's Lexi (Gregule) in center field. Offensively, our approach at the plate was not the greatest. They were guessing instead of reacting. They were overthinking it."
Gregule, Katherine Porter, Eliza Pasterik and Amanda Posegay all connected for singles for the Hilltoppers' four hits.
Waubonsie hosts Plainfield East on Tuesday for its home opener, and Glenbard West hosts Naperville North on Wednesday. Both games begin at 4:30 p.m.