Prospect 6, Rolling Meadows 0

Prospect's Paige O'Neil said ace Sheri Weidner makes things easy for the defense after the right-hander threw a 6-0 shutout at Rolling Meadows on Monday.

"She doesn't leave much for us to do," the senior centerfielder said. "And when she does, we've been doing the job. I think this is the best defense we've had here in a few years."

O'Neil was a perfect case for that as she made a terrific leaping grab while running toward her left to rob Caitlin Adair of extra bases in the fourth inning.

And Knights' left fielder Katie Dillon (2-for-3) made a superb catch while backpedaling to her left to prevent extra bases by pitcher Carissa Stewart in the second inning.

"They (O'Neil and Dillon) did great job in terms of going back on those balls," Prospect coach Brenda Martin. "We work a lot on outfield skills, and infield, too, so it was nice to see it pay off."

Weidner (8-3) finished with a 2-hitter, 7 strikeouts and 2 walks for her fourth shutout in five games and fifth overall.

"I trust my defense a lot," said the strong right-hander, who was also 2-for-2 at the plate. "I'm not worried when someone hits me, because I know my defense will back me up."

The Knights' offense backed Weidner as well. Amy Varner (3-for-5) singled to center in the first.

Cyndi Becker followed with a slap single. An error loaded the bases and Amanda Mlikan reached on a fielder's choice and Varner scored.

Stewart (4-6) got out of the jam with only that run.

But Prospect added 4 in the second as Lisa Dominick (2-for-3) , Emily Logar (2-for-3), Varner and Becker (2-for-3) all singled.

Jessica King's fielder's choice scored Varner. A throwing error on Mlikan's infield grounder brought home Becker, who caught Weidner's 2-hit gem.

"She's (Weidner) a winner," said Becker, who also scored 3 runs.

Meadows shortstop Maddie Urban (2-for-2) broke up the no-hitter with a bloop single to shallow left-center with one out in the fourth.

"With six seniors and a lot of experience back, we've got to be ready to go at the start and we weren't," said Mustangs coach Tony Wolanski. "I take responsibility for that. Give Prospect credit. We'll live and fight another day."

Barrington 6, Schaumburg 0: The Fillies (15-2, 6-1) slapped out a win as Lindsey Dulla (3-for-3, 3 runs), Colleeen Shandley (2-for-4, 1 run) and Lisa Shandley (2-for-3, RBI) -- all slap hitters -- helped pave the way.

But the host Fillies also showed some muscle with a solo home run from Jessica McGurn to lead off the sixth.

Junior Kim Cygan (15-2) threw a 1-hitter with 5 strikeouts an no walks. Rachel Borgman's fourth-inning single was the only hit for Schaumburg (6-5, 2-5).

Palatine 1, Hoffman 0 (8 inn.): An outfield error on Caitlin Carpenter's shallow fly with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the eighth scored Heather Zimmerman for Palatine (6-4, 4-2) in the MSL West.

Stephanie Roto started the inning with a walk, followed by bunt singles by Katie Mnichowicz and Nikki Linares. The Hawks' defense then got a pair of force outs at home before Carpenter's game-winner.

Junior Anne Wcislo (4-2) threw a 4-hitter with 7 strikeouts and no walks. Junior Kaitlin Walsh threw a 6-hitter with 4 strikeouts and 2 walks for Hoffman (2-10-1, 2-5).

Fremd 9, Conant 0: Sophomore Lena Brottman (9-1) struck out 13 and walked none while tossing a 2-hitter for visiting Fremd (11-1, 6-1).

Kristine Werling (2-for-4, double), Stacey Stutzman (3-for-4, 2 runs, RBI, triple) and Alexa Cinquegrani (2-for-4, 3 RBI, triple) led the offense.

Freshman Kailee Prasbrig struck out three for Conant (3-9, 1-6) the first 4 innings.

BG 9, Wheeling 1: Stephanie Rudolfi (2-for-3, 4 RBI), Meg Miller (2-for-2, RBI, 1 run), Danni Shapiro (1-for-3, 3 RBI) and Katie Lee (2-for-4, 2 runs) led the offense for host Buffalo Grove (5-9, 2-5) while Andrea DiPrima (3-4) struck out six with a 7-hitter.

Carly Speidel (2-7) struck out three in four innings and had an RBI double for Wheeling (3-9, 1-6).

Elk Grove 3, Hersey 1: Freshman Jessica Balzano (2-for-4, 3 RBI) belted a 3-run walk-off homer with no outs in the bottom of the seventh for host Elk Grove (16-1, 6-0).

Amber Hane and Brittany Tranchita singled prior to Balzano's second homer in four games.

Stephanie Maday (11-0) struck out the side in the seventh to earn the win in relief of Krystina Leazer, who had 9 strikeouts.

Jessie Harris' RBI double gave visiting Hersey (1-13, 1-6) a 1-0 lead in the sixth.

St. Viator 4, Carmel 3:ΠFreshman Julie Sweeney had a 2-run bases-loaded single and senior Danielle Sipiora singled home another run in a 3-run sixth which put the Lions (2-8, 1-5) ahead 4-3 in the East Suburban Catholic.

Junior Jess Etchingham had 2 hits and an RBI and sophomore Melanie Slawny threw a 4-hitter for the win.

Leyden 2, Willowbrook 1 (8 innings): Nicole Spasik singled down the left field line to drive home Dana Thomas from second base with two outs in the bottom of the eighth for Leyden (7-7, 2-1).

Thomas (6-4) also earned the win, striking out eight and walking one while tossing a 2-hitter in the West Suburban Gold contest in Franklin Park.