W. Chicago 2, Glenbard North 1

As is the case so often across the sports landscape, in order to be the best, you have to beat the best.

With its 2-1 win Monday afternoon over recent DuPage Valley Conference powerhouse Glenbard North, the West Chicago softball team ensured itself no less than a tie for the DVC crown in 2008.

Standout freshman pitcher Mary Connolly once again led the way for the Wildcats (17-8, 10-3 DVC), making major contributions in all facets of the game. Connolly allowed just 3 hits, fielded her position flawlessly, and slugged the game-winning home run in the top of the fifth inning.

Connolly struck out eight hitters Monday afternoon, but when the Panthers made contact, her teammates were there to make plays behind her.

"Any time they put the ball in play, I've got to just trust my defense," Connolly said. "I give them credit for every single bit of play today. They did everything right."

While Connolly may have deflected compliments in the direction of her teammates, West Chicago coach Jim Schaudt gave his pitcher nothing but praise.

"That's the way she's pitched all year," Schaudt said. "She's the real deal. Stoic on the mound, doesn't show her emotions, and that helps the whole team settle down.

"She's got confidence in her abilities, and of course it's nice when you can hit too."

Connolly displayed her abilities with the bat in the top of the fifth inning, driving a two-strike Hannah Santora offering well over the center-field fence to give the Wildcats a 1-run lead.

Glenbard North (14-10, 6-6 DVC) had just tied the game at 1-1 in the previous inning, so Connolly was looking to get on base and start a rally rather than knock one out of the park.

"I was the first batter in that inning, and I knew that if I got on base someone else would drive me in," she said.

Monday's loss drops the Panthers back to .500 in DVC play with a record of 6-6. Of their 10 overall losses this season, nine have come by a single run -- a trend which coach Josh Sanew attributes to a lack of executing the "little things."

"Leaving people on base, little things like that -- that's what will separate a good team from a great team," Sanew said. "It's hard to do that to yourself and still be active and competitive at the top of that conference."