Softball: Clutch defensive plays lift Pozezinski, Grayslake North

Having a good defense to rely on is always comforting for a pitcher.

But Grayslake North junior pitcher Jenna Pozezinski wanted to make absolutely sure.

Pozezinski pitched herself out of a jam on a couple of occasions, including in the top of the seventh when visiting Woodstock North put two runners on base with a chance to tie.

But she got leadoff hitter Caitlin Senn to hit into a pop fly, and freshman first baseman Grace Brown made a nice running catch to end the game and preserve the 2-0 Fox Valley Fox victory.

"The defense had my back," said Pozezinski, who had hip surgery 2½ years ago but dislocated it last October. "This was my sixth or seventh game back, and by far my best outing of the season."

Pozezinski (2-1) had pitched out of a jam in the top of the first when two Thunder runners reached base with one out. But a flyball and strikeout ended any further threat.

And when not on the mound, Pozezinski was helping her own cause at the plate.

In the bottom of the first, sophomore outfielder Molly Rutkowski and freshman first baseman Grace Brown each singled to lead things off.

After a wild pitch moved both runners up a base, Pozezinski laced a 2-run double to left center for a 2-0 lead - and all the support she would end up needing.

"That was an old school pitcher's duel," said Knights first-year coach and former Grayslake High pitching star Lea Corcoran, whose team improved to 6-6 overall and 2-1 in the league. "Jenna was throwing harder and got better as the game went on. But you can never have too many hits and we need to be more aggressive at the plate. We'll take it, though. It's a win - and a conference win."

After throwing the leadoff hitter out from her knees in the top of the fourth, Pozezinski showcased her defense once again when she started a beautiful 1-6-3 double play to end what turned out to be the biggest threat the Thunder could muster.

"She was determined and you could tell she wanted this game," added Corcoran, whose troops are at Woodstock on Monday for another FVC Fox contest.

"It was nice to get out ahead and give our pitcher some breathing room. But it's been an exciting week for us with two nice victories."

Pozezinski went the distance, scattering 6 hits while allowing only 2 walks to go along with 8 strikeouts.

Junior outfielder Katie Moats had a single as well for the Knights, who finished with 4 hits.