Softball: Grossman reaches 150 strikeouts
Palatine junior pitcher Sarah Grossman struck out 10 batters on Tuesday to record a 9-2 triumph at Hoffman Estates in the final Mid-Suburban West game for both teams.
The Pirates (21-7) ended up 12-4 in the West, tied for second with Conant (19-6, 12-4) and 3 games behind champion Barrington (30-3, 15-1).
Grossman (12-1) reached the 150 mark for strikeouts this season.
"One hundred and fifty in a season is a lot, and she should be proud of her accomplishment," said Palatine assistant coach Kristen Proffitt. "The coaching staff isn't necessarily surprised because she's been so good for us all year (both starting and in relief) but it's a huge milestone."
Grossman becomes the first player to reach 100 strikeouts in a season since head coach Nicole Pauly took over as the Pirates coach in 2015.
"This is a testament to Sarah's mental approach," Proffitt added. "It's great that she's a junior and we have her again next year. Sarah works extremely hard and she's always looking to get better. She was throwing hard today and her pitches were moving a lot. She has been really good for us this year."
Palatine junior Maddie Craver (3-for-3, 4 runs, 3 stolen bases) reached base in all five of her plate appearances. Grace Huff (2-for-4, 4 runs, 2 stolen bases) and Brittany Padden (2-for-4, double 4 RBI) were also multiple hitters for the Pirates who also received a double from freshman Rhiann Dick.
Brandi Ballentine went 2-for-4 for Hoffman Estates (3-20, 2-14) while teammate Giselle Velazquez had a double.
Elk Grove 18, Loyola 8 (5 inn): Senior Kylie Thomsen and Jamie Klicka each belted home runs as the host Grenadiers improved to 23-8 with the nonconference win.
Thomsen's homer was her 13th on the same day she picked up her 13th win against five losses.
Haley Itzenthaler (4-for-4), Amy Pietruszynski (2-for-3) and Katia Pendowski (2-for-3, double) were multiple hitters for the Grens, who host Palatine today at 4:30 p.m. in the MSL second-place crossover.
Prospect 3, Glenbrook South 1: Freshman Claire Doherty threw a 2-hitter with strikeouts as host Prospect raised its record to 13-13. The Knights scored twice in the first inning and added their third run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Cate Meersman had a double for Prospect while Eileen Donohue was 2-for-3
Benet 9, St. Viator 5: Maggie VanValkenburg had 3 hits for the host Lions (as they outhit the RedHawks 14-9. Cam VanValkenburg (2 doubles), Cece Kaiser and Nicole Ardito each had 2 hits.