Glenbard West's Rauch wrecks DGN's plan

Melissa Rauch's comeback was a hit.

Playing in her first game since the season opener, Rauch delivered an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning to give Glenbard West a 4-3 West Suburban Silver win over Downers Grove North Monday in Glen Ellyn.

"It's nice to have her back," Glenbard West coach Mary McGrane said. "We need her bat, that's for sure."

Two bunts ignited the Hilltoppers (5-2, 1-0) in the seventh. Jayme Hefler beat one out for a hit with one out. Then Kathryn Lux, who had an RBI triple earlier in the game, turned a bunt hit into a double as Hefler raced to third and nobody covered second.

Downers North coach Mark Magro ordered Melissa Noland walked intentionally to load the bases.

"We just wanted to get a force," Magro said.

But Rauch took the walk personally.

"Actually it kind of made me mad," she said. "I know I can hit."

After taking the first pitch for a strike, Rauch shot a liner into right field for the game-winner.

"I never hit it to right field -- never," Rauch said. "I'm always a puller so that was good."

Lauren Albrecht earned the victory to move to 3-0. She allowed 4 hits and struck out eight.

Kendall Ryndak took the loss to drop to 2-2.

Downers North all-area third baseman Lauren McNulty left the game after taking a line drive off her right hand in the fourth. She returned in the fifth to line an RBI single to put the Trojans (3-5, 0-1) ahead 3-2 before leaving the game again for an X-ray.

"She's a warrior," Magro said.

For McGrane, it was the first time she faced her alma mater, where she spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach.

"It was nerve-wracking, but it's great to see the kids," McGrane said. "Of course it was nice to see Mark, too."

"It was fun to play against Mar," Magro said. "I miss her and the girls miss her, that's for sure. She's such a trooper. She knew I wasn't going to change the signs, but she didn't steal any."