Saints, Moe handle Maine S.

Kelly Barnett can't remember the last time St. Charles East won its own softball tournament.

She's hoping it will be much easier to remember after today.

The Saints took the first step to winning that elusive title Friday, spotting Maine South a 2-0 lead before Gabby Moe closed the door over the final 6 innings in St. Charles East's 5-2 win.

"It hasn't happened for many, many years," Barnett said. "That's definitely our goal, that's our focus this weekend."

One of the Saints' three fields still had too much water, so the tournament format was changed from each team playing 5 games to 4. The Saints didn't play their second scheduled game against Lyons Township Friday and will conclude the tournament with games today against St. Ignatius, Rockford Harlem and Hoffman Estates.

Lissy Epifanio gave Maine South a 2-run lead in the first inning with her home run to left field on a "drop ball that didn't move enough," Moe said.

St. Charles East (12-5) scored all its runs in the fourth inning. Pam Sommer started the rally with a bunt single, then with some heads-up baserunning took third on Rebecca Renibold's bunt.

"She's our little lightning bolt," Barnett said of Sommer. "That's her recognizing it. That wasn't a call. That's Pam seeing an open base so she goes and gets it.

"Two bunts got the rally going. That's just two team players doing what it takes."

RaeAnne Payleitner's RBI single brought the Saints within 2-1. After a hit from Jenny Niemiec, Stephanie Roan put St. Charles East ahead to stay by blasting a 2-run double to left.

"Everyone had some good swings," Barnett said. "I thought our swings were lacking to start with but in general we have had more good swings than bad."

Bethany Carrignan and Mary Kate Brooks also delivered RBI singles in the inning.

Moe has come to expect that kind of support from her offense.

"We were never worried, we have faith in each other," Moe said. "We always back up each other.

"We always hit great. My whole team is wonderful hitting. It is hard to decide who goes where because everyone is so good."

Moe took care of the rest. Maine South never threatened after the first inning.

"It was a good variety of pitches," Moe said. "Coach called a good game of working it in and out."

"We came out a little bit flat," Barnett said. "We depend on our offense to get us going. Two runs we can definitely come back from."