Pirates stop Maine S.; Wheeling earns split

Palatine (18-8) closed out the regular season with its 12th win in 14 games as junior ace Anne Wcislo (14-5) struck out five and walked none in an 11-6 nonconference softball victory over Maine South on Saturday.

Nikki Linares (2-for-4, RBI 3 stolen bases), Caitlin Carpenter (3-for-4, 4 RBI) and Katie Mnichowicz (4-for-4, 3 runs) led the offense.

Mnichowicz made a diving stab of a ground ball and threw the runner out at first base to end the sixth inning and prevent a run from scoring.

Joanne Jablonski and Kelsey Griffin also added doubles for Palatine.

Wheeling, Grayslake Central split: Visiting Wheeling (9-20) dropped the opener 3-1 but came back to win 7-6 in Game 2.

Tori Menelle (4 strikeouts) picked up the win in Game 2 while Carly Speidel (4 strikeout) notched the save.

Wheeling senior Annemarie Spiezia was 3-for-4 with 2 runs and 3 stolen bases while teammates Tori Menelle, Becky Menelle, Speidel, Nicole Schroeder and Alyson Fallon each had 2 hits.

Spiezia also had 2 hits in the opener. Losing pitcher Speidel struck out 10.

Wheaton North sweeps Conant: Conant fell 14-2 in six innings in the opener, then dropped a 7-4 decision in eight innings in Game 2.

Cougars senior Amberly Ward had 3 hits in the opener while teammate Paige Ward had 2, including a home run. Lauren Erkman also homered for the host Cougars (7-19).

Amberly Ward came back with 3 more hits in Game 2 while Nicole Gross and Jessica Gennuso each 2.

Amberly Ward was 6-for-9 for the day. "It was a great offensive effort by Amberly," said Cougars coach CathyAnn Smth.