Grams, Grens in their element
It was cold.
In fact, the coldest weather Elk Grove softball coach Ken Grams could remember in his 29 season openers.
But boy, did the Grenadier' bats come out hot in the 30-degree weather.
In fact, as hot as Grams could remember to start a game in his coaching career.
The first seven Grenadiers singled to spark a 9-run first inning and the defending Mid-Suburban East champs went on to claim a 12-2 victory over visiting Leyden in six innings.
"That first inning was big for us," said Grenadiers junior shortstop Olivia Roback, who was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
"This would have been a close game had we not scored all those runs right away. We've just got to make sure we keep going after an inning like that. We can't let down."
Junior pitcher Stephanie Maday went the first three innings for the Grenadiers while senior Krystina Leazer finished the contest.
"Our pitchers were good today," Roback added. "Stephanie and Krystina did a good job"
Leyden coach Kurt Schuett was impressed by his freshman pitcher Morgan Maize, who came in after 7 runs had scored in the first. There was one out and the bases loaded.
"To come in that situation nad pitch like she did , that was a positive," Schuett said. "I liked how Morgan threw the ball."
"And I thought Kim Giannini (junior catcher) was strong behind the plate. She called a very good game for us and she made some good throws to second base."
Maize also delivered a 2-run single in the fourth, scoring sophomores Moira Quinlan and Christina Morgan.
"We're young on paper," Schuett added. "But we have a plethora of sophomores and juniors who played on the junior varsity last year."
The Grenadiers won by the 10 -run rule in the sixth when freshman third baseman Dani Goranson reached on infield error, bringing home Kristy Ottosen.
Senior second baseman Caitlin Garrison made her first start for the Grenadiers since undergoing knee surgery last May 21.
"It feels amazing to be back," said Garrison, a four-year starter who had an RBI single to left in the first inning. "I felt a little timid about sliding, but everything else was normal."
Sophomore Jessica Balzano and senior Amanda Mertes also had 2 hits for the Grenadiers.
Maday gave up 2 hits (Maize and Morgan) and 1 unearned run while striking out six. Leazer did not allow a hit and struck out four.
"I was impressed with the first couple of innings," Grams said. "Then you do tend to relax with the way the weather was, but that should not be an excuse."
"Considering the elements, our girls did not let up," Schuett said. "This could have been a 28-0 mop-up for them but our girls didn't quit."
St. Viator 6, Palatine 2: Lions junior Melanie Slawny struck out four and allowed 3 hits in 4 2-3 innings before sophomore Julie Sweeney picked up the save with 4 strikeouts in 21/3 innings.
Sophomore Tayler Lenart (3 hits, double), Abby Dickey (2, hits, 2 RBI), Bridget Urbanus (2 hits, RBI) and Sweeney (2 hits, (3 RBI) led the offense for the Lions (2-0).
Slawny made a diving catch of a short bunt for the defensive play of the game,
Chrissy Roto struck out four while throwing all six innings for the Pirates (0-3).
Hoffman Estates 6, Elgin 5: Colleen Roberts (2-for-3, 2 RBI, double, triple), Alex Wulbecker (2-for-4, triple, double, RBI) and Kelsey Pellus (2-for-4, 1 run) led the Hoffman offense while sophomore Emily Allan struck out six as the winning pitcher.
The host Hawks pulled out the season opener with 2 runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Junior Mary Hacker slapped her way on base, then advanced to second on a wild pitch and third on Roberts' fly out.
Pinch-hitting sophomore Courtney Case reached on an error at first base, scoring Hacker. Wulbecker then doubled home Case for the second run.