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Softball: Pauly's Pirates off to quick start

When she starred at shortstop in high school, Nicole Pauly played on some very successful Palatine teams.

Now, she is coaching one.

Pauly's Pirates improved to 7-1 and 2-0 in the Mid-Suburban West with a 12-3 win over visiting Elk Grove on Thursday.

The game was scheduled to be played at Elk Grove but due to field conditions it was moved to Palatine, which was the visitor on the scoreboard.

Junior pitcher Sarah Grossman ran her record to 6-0 with a 3-hitter and 8 strikeouts.

Amanda Stanczuk (4-for-5, 2 runs, 2 RBI), Emily Brinckerhoff (2-for-3, BB, 4 RBI) and Reggie Much (3-for-4, double, RBI) led the offense for Palatine which led 12-0 after scoring 7 runs in the top of the sixth inning.

Grace Huff started the big inning with a single to left. After an out, Stanczuk singled to right and Brooke Bauer reached first to load the bases. Anna Selleck singled to right to keep the runners moving base to base.

After an error, Brinckerhoff came through with a 2-run single to left.

Much doubled in another run and Brittany Padden grounded out to bring home the seventh run of the inning.

The Grenadiers (6-3, 0-3) scored 3 runs in the bottom of the sixth.

Haley Itzenthaler (1-for-4) singled to start the inning. After an error, Grossman struck out the next two batters. There was another error and then a 2-run single by pitcher Sabra Morton (2-for-3).

"Emily Brinckerhoff (freshman) and Amanda Stanczuk (sophomore) are both new to varsity this year and making huge contributions," said Pirates assistant coach Kristen Proffitt. "They were major parts of our offense today.

"Amanda started the season by working hard to earn her at-bats. She has capitalized on those opportunities and done everything she can for the team."

Brinckerhoff recently broke her way into the lineup.

"She has been seeing the ball really well," Proffitt added. "It's great to see young players who aren't afraid or intimidated and are helping the team win big games. Reggie Much is a senior and has taken that leadership role from off the field onto the field and has been coming through with big hits the last few games.

"Our team plays for each other and works together in a way that we haven't seen in a long time. They're so fun to work with and we enjoy every day with them."

Maine West 5, Deerfield 4: Maine West (3-5) improved to 2-0 in the Central Suburban North as senior Megan Swanson's walk-off single ended the game in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Senior Grace Feldkamp earned the win with 3 strikeouts and she also went 1-for-2 at the plate with 2 runs. Also getting hits for the Warriors were Gabriella Dema (1-for-3, 2 RBI, double), Jessica Steingard (1-for-2) and Bridget Christiansen (1-for-3, 1 run).

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