One down, hopefully 19 to go for Wildcats
You could call it cold, damp, wet, freezing, snowy or rainy Thursday morning at the Rolling Meadows High School softball diamond.
But also call it a season-opening triumph for Libertyville, which would love to get at least 19 more wins this spring.
The Wildcats notched their first with an 8-5 win over the host Mustangs, who spent most of their spring break practicing in Orlando, Fla., before returning Tuesday.
"We set a team goal to get 20 wins," said Libertyville shortstop Ali Haws, a three-year varsity performer who is also a North Suburban all-conference basketball and volleyball player. "So we are determined to do that. It was good to get this first one under out belt."
The Wildcats did it with two pitchers. Junior left-hander Jenna Mosconi (5 strikeouts) went the first 3 innings and freshman righty Danielle Kazcmar worked the final four of a combined 6-hitter.
By the time Kazcmar recorded her third strikeout to end the game, the snow was starting to gain momentum and the temperatures were in the mid-30s. The second game of the scheduled doubleheader was not played.
"This was our first time outdoors," said Libertyville coach Mary Tiegs. "We definitely couldn't have asked anything better from Danielle, especially considering the weather."
Senior Kat Bernard, the Wildcats' pitcher returning with the most experience, was not available Thursday due to spring break.
Caitlin Adair, a Mustangs veteran team leader, was also away on spring break.
"Caitlin is such a great kid and team leader," said Meadows coach Tony Wolanski, who will play the senior at first or second base. "That hurt us. Her leadership helps us a lot."
Wolanski got strong hitting from the middle of his order, led by seniors Connie Porters (2-for-3, 2 RBI, triple), Angela Mahanna (2-for-4) and junior shortstop Maddy Urban (double). Senior leadoff batter Bonnie Weglarz also had a hit for Meadows.
"This was not a very good start for us, but we haven't had much time working outdoors except for in Florida," Urban said. "Once we start working on the basics outside here, we'll get better. We never quit this game. We tried as hard as we could.
"We just didn't get the breaks sometimes, like when we had the bases loaded."
That was in the second inning when Mosconi got out of the bases-loaded jam with 3 strikeouts after the Mustangs had scored twice to tie the game at 2-2.
The Wildcats took the lead for good in the top of the third at 4-2 when senior Katy Pfund's groundout to short brought home senior third baseman Leanne Kaczmar, who had doubled home her sister Danielle two batters earlier.
Leanne Kaczmar (2-for-3) and senior catcher Katie Larson (2-for-3) were multiple hitters from Libertyville. Haws, freshman Toni Kintzel and junior Julie Gilkison (triple) also had hits for the visitors.
Senior Carissa Stewart (5 strikeouts) went all 7 innings for Rolling Meadows.
"Carissa threw well at times," Wolanski said. "All in all, she wasn't bad. We made 5 errors and you can't do beat too many varsity teams doing that. We've got to make better decisions in the field. As long as we learn from our mistakes, we'll be fine.
"I thought Connie Porters (third base) had a really good game and Angela Mahanna (catcher) played well, too."