Softball: Mrzlak's hit in 9th lifts Jacobs over Dundee-Crown

Jessica Mrzlak's mission was to make solid contact.

Mrzlak did just that.

The Jacobs senior drilled a single to right field scoring Emily Pena with the winning run as the Golden Eagles claimed an exhilarating 1-0 victory in nine innings over District 300 rival Dundee-Crown in Fox Valley Conference softball action in Algonquin Tuesday afternoon.

"I was just looking to hit the ball where it was pitched," said Mrzlak, a 4-year varsity performer. "I hadn't had good at bats my first three at-bats. I was glad to help us win. It was a great win against a good D-C team. Delaney (Garden) pitched great and deserved to win."

Jacobs coach Katie O'Brien was glad to see Mrzlak up in the game-winning situation.

" (Mrzlak) is our spark plug and a leader on this team," said O' Brien. "I knew she would come through. She struggled the first three at-bats but Jess is so resilient. I knew she would come through."

Sarah Lynch executed a perfectly placed sacrifice bunt to put Pena in scoring position.

Jacobs (7-4-1, 4-2) freshman pitcher Delaney Garden scattered 7 D-C hits through 9 innings but didn't allow a run. The hard throwing left-hander struck out 8 without allowing a walk.

"They have so many good hitters I tried to keep them off stride with my riseball and screwball," said Garden. "I pitched with confidence and trusted my defense. It was a great win. Jessica really came through with a big hit."

O'Brien was impressed with Garden's poise for a freshman.

"She stayed calm and pitched through some tough jams," said O'Brien. "She was outstanding against a very good hitting team. She kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win. Delaney has met all our expectations as a pitcher this season."

The Chargers (7-8, 4-2) wasted an outstanding performance by senior pitcher Sydney Ruggles, who allowed 1 run on 3 hits in 9 innings and struck out 14 with 2 walks.

"Sydney was just outstanding," said D-C coach Tracy Beatty of the Loyola recruit. "She certainly deserved a win. We didn't give her any help offensively. We got enough baserunners we just didn't get the pressure hit when we needed it. We have to be a better hitting team."

O'Brien praised Ruggles' effort in the pitchers circle.

"Sydney is an outstanding pitcher and in my mind she is the best pitcher in the conference," said O'Brien. "She has so many good pitches she can get outs with. We were finally able to get a run across against her. I have total admiration and respect for Sydney."

The Chargers, who left 8 runners on base, got 2 hits each from Alaina Azar and Ruggles.