Softball: Wojcik, York adjust to Glenbard South
The York softball team's record stood at 15-10 after Saturday morning's 4-1 nonconference win over Glenbard South on the Dukes' home field at Bryan Middle School in Elmhurst.
Coach Elizabeth Munn said the key to the Dukes' success is the ability of the team's hitters to adjust to pitching.
"We've worked on making adjustments on other pitchers because one day you might see riseballs and changeups, another day it might be a lot of spinning and dropballs," she said.
York finished with 8 hits, including starting pitcher Lauren Wojcik's home run over the right-field fence in the second inning.
Wojcik, a senior, got the complete-game victory, allowing six hits while striking six and setting the Raiders (13-3) down in order during three innings.
Munn said she was pleased with Wojcik's performance in the circle and is happy with the team overall.
"I'm confident up and down the lineup. We have seven seniors with a lot of experience," the York coach said.
The Dukes went ahead 2-0 in their half of the first. Leadoff hitter Katherine Karnatz singled to center and moved to second on Jane Moran's sacrifice bunt. Then Madison Collins' infield hit brought home Karnatz. Collins scored the final run of the inning thanks to Izzy Smith's two-out double.
After Wojcik's homer York was quiet until the fifth. Again leadoff hitter Karnatz started things off with s single to center. With two outs Kroll belted a double to center to score her.
Karnatz and Kroll were the Dukes' leading hitters Saturday with each going 2-for-3.
"I just think about hitting the ball hard. Good things happen when you make contact," Karnatz said.
Kroll said focus has been important to what the Dukes have accomplished so far this season.
"We're very determined in our goals and we're a close-knit team," she said.
Glenbard South ended the shutout bid in the fourth on Grace Wallner's sacrifice fly that scored Bailee Flanagan, who had reached on an infield hit. Wallner finished the contest with a double in the sixth.
The Raiders had their moments Saturday, but coach Julie Fonda said it simply wasn't enough.
"We sporadically placed hits instead of stringing them together. (Starting pitcher) Daniella Little got the ball down and hit some spots and once she settled down, it was a ballgame," she said.
York returns to West Suburban Silver play Monday, hosting Downers Grove North. Glenbard South, meanwhile, has key Metro Suburban Conference games Monday at IC Catholic Prep and Tuesday at Illiana Christian.