Softball: Carmel downs Vernon Hills in Alabama

Since both softball teams would be in Alabama to play in a tournament over spring break, Carmel Catholic and Vernon Hills decided in advance to play their nonconference game there.

Playing in 70-degree temperatures on a day it was rainy and in the 30s back home, Carmel took advantage. Flynn Johnson went 3-for-4 with a double and 4 RBI, and Jen Giesey and Amanda Elert added 2 hits apiece, as the Corsairs won 12-5 to improve to 5-1 on the season.

Elert (2-for-2, 2 walks, RBI), winning-pitcher Claire Petrus and Karina Falkstrom all doubled. Giesey (2-for-5) and Emma Bartz (1-for-3, 2 runs, walk) each had 2 RBI. Petrus (3-1) pitched all 7 innings, surrendering 12 hits.

Nicole Pieper led Vernon Hills with a 3-for-4 effort that included a triple and 3 RBI. Dana Meline (RBI), Danielle Comitor (triple) and Delaney Bowen (RBI) each went 2-for-4 for the Cougars.

Grayslake North splits: In Orlando, Fla., after losing 11-1 to Frazier out of Pennsylvania, the Knights captured Game 2 of the doubleheader 12-7.

Dani Runyon was 5-for-5 with a double and an RBI in the second game, and Jenna Pozezinski doubled twice. Lauren Olsen had a clutch bases-clearing double in the seventh inning. Grayslake North went into the top of the seventh down 7-5 and scored 7 runs to put the game away.

Katie Moats scored the winning run all the way from first base with "heads-up running" on a passed ball and error, coach Lea Corcoran said. Jessica Vaughn went the distance in the circle, allowing 3 earned runs and striking out four.

The Knights also got doubles from Molly Rutkowski and Carissa Popp.

Bishop Manogue 13, Grayslake Central 0: In Orlando, Fla., Morgan Smigielski had the only hit for the Rams in their tournament finale against the school from Reno, Nev.

Reagen Radke took the loss, allowing 9 runs (3 earned) in 3⅔ innings. She struck out six, walked one and allowed 10 hits.

Grayslake Central (2-3) went 1-3 on its trip.