Softball: Huntley runs past Harlem - literally
Maybe, the Huntley Red Raiders softball team should be renamed the Huntley 'Running' Red Raiders.
With 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts, the second-seeded Raiders ran roughshod to a 5-1 win over third-seeded Harlem in the title game of the Class 4A Huntley regional Saturday afternoon.
The game started Friday but was suspended because of rain in the top of the third inning.
Huntley (26-8), winners of two consecutive regionals, will take on Barrington in semifinal action of the Belvidere North sectional Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Barrington advanced to sectional play with a 3-0 win over Crystal Lake South in the championship game of the Dundee-Crown regional.
Like she has all season, Wisconsin-Parkside signee Jessica Shields spearheaded the Raiders' potent running game.
Shields, who has stolen 66 bases in 69 attempts this season, registered 4 thefts for the regional champs.
The Huntley senior leadoff hitter also collected 2 singles and scored 3 runs.
"My job as a leadoff hitter is get on base any way I can," said Shields. "When I am on base I want to get a good read on the pitcher. As a senior I am happy to win a second straight regional. It is an awesome accomplishment.'
Huntley coach Mark Petryniec realizes Shields is the catalyst to Huntley's running game.
"Jessica, when she gets on base sets up our running game," said Petryniec. "She does such a great job of timing the pitchers."
Winning pitcher Tiffany Giese (25-6) and Rylie Porretto, who drove in 3 runs with a sacrifice fly and a 2-run double, collected 2 stolen bases each.
"With the wind blowing out strongly, we knew we had to execute our running game and small ball game," said Petryniec. "We certainly did the little things necessary to beat a very good Harlem team."
Huntley scored a run in the first inning on Friday before the rains came on a sacrifice fly by Porretto,
The Red Raiders, who overcame 4 errors, grabbed a 2-0 lead with an unearned run in third and scored their third run of the game in the fourth on an infield groundout by Taylor Pacana.
Harlem (22-9), which stranded 8 runners, scored its only run in the fifth on a run-scoring single by Emily Guske.
Huntley added 2 insurance runs in the fifth on a 2-RBI double by Porretto.
Giese, who struck out 2 with 4 walks, gave up a run on 3 singles.
"My fastball was really working," said Giese. "I just tried to stay calm and keep the ball low. I am just happy the seniors get to play another game."