Glenbard South Raiders getting off to fast start

Many softball teams haven't played their first game yet, but Glenbard South is already 4-0.

The Raiders stayed perfect with an all-around performance that produced a 9-0 triumph over visiting Fenton Wednesday afternoon in Glen Ellyn.

The home team looked as sharp as its well-manicured field.

"It's nice," Glenbard South coach Julie Fonda said of her team's fast start. "I credit our grounds crew. They do a great job getting our field ready."

Another reason for Glenbard South's early success is its senior pitching staff. A day after Jill Trzaska fired a no-hitter, Robin Borowski threw a 1-hitter.

Borowski struck out 11 and walked one. She improved to 2-0.

"Her movement on the ball is just tremendous this year," Fonda said. "She's done a lot of work on her screwball and it's working."

Borowski credited the game called by senior catcher Jess Fijolek and was thankful for her teammates' considerable offensive support.

"It takes a lot of pressure off so I love it when we do that," she said.

Borowski retired the first nine batters she faced until Mia Sansone grounded a single up the middle. It marked the first hit Glenbard South allowed in 11½ innings.

The Raiders had no trouble recording hits on their end. They finished with 11.

Fijolek's RBI single put them on the scoreboard in the first inning before the Raiders added 3 runs in the second, 2 in the third and 3 in the fourth.

Kristin Grossman starred in the offensive show for the winners. The junior third baseman went 3 for 3 with a double and 3 RBI.

"This was my first game where I really just started to hit," Grossman said. "Hopefully, I can keep on a roll."

Trzaska and Therese O'Shea each tallied 2 hits, including a double.

Fenton (1-2) entered its tough matchup short-handed. Senior first baseman Stephanie Pingel has been sidelined by right knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus suffered in practice. Her target return is April 21.

Additionally, Mia Sansone missed the game with the flu and Emily May was in Tennessee visiting her sick grandmother.

"We were less than full strength, but it wouldn't have made a difference today," Bison coach Dave Mello said. "We're out here to learn. That's where we're at right now. It's all a building process."