Another dream matchup as Grens host Fillies
Just three weeks ago, the Barrington and Elk Grove softball teams played a thrilling 1-0 game at the Fields of Dreams with the Fillies coming out on top.
Now both teams are playing in the game that every Mid-Suburban League player dreams about.
It's the 36th renewal of the MSL title game today at 4:30 p.m.
This time, the two state powerhouses power will meet on the Elk Grove diamond.
It is hardly an unlikely matching of teams for an MSL showdown contest.
Mid-Suburban West champion Barrington (29-2, 15-1) and MSL East champ Elk Grove (28-2, 15-1) are meeting for the sixth time in the last seven years.
Their coaches are not only the winningest in the league but in the state as well.
Elk Grove's Ken Grams (673-293-2) has directed his program since 1982 (that first year he co-coached the team with Doug Millstone) while Barrington's Perry Peterson (526-123) has been in charge of the Fillies since 1992.
Peterson's Fillies won the game last year behind Daily Herald all-area honorary captain Kim Cygan, who returns to the mound again today.
The senior right-hander (25-2) has 17 shutouts, including that 1-0 victory over Elk Grove.
Sophomore Kiley Dolezal has served as an efficient backup this spring with a 3-0 while freshman Jordan Wekony is 1-0.
Grams has three solid pitchers of his own in senior Stephanie Maday (14-2), freshman Dani Goranson (10-0) and senior Krystina Leazer (4-0).
"They have three terrific pitchers," Peterson said. "And we need to focus on finding a good pitch to hit and make solid contact."
When the teams met the first time, Cygan threw 6-hitter to sophomore catcher Kristin Kuhn for the win.
Sophomore Jessica Balzano, one of handful of Grenadiers to start in this game a year ago, was 3-for-4 in that game. Seniors Nikki Goranson, Amanda Mertes and Stephanie Dolce each had base hits, too.
Shortstop Olivia Roback started in the game last year while second baseman Caitlin Garrison did the same as a freshman.
"I thought we hit the ball well the first time we played them (Barrington) this season," said the Hall of Famer Grams who has won three MSL crowns, the only ones in school history. "We just didn't get the hits when we needed them. We left some baserunners and hopefully we can get them home this time."
The Fillies got their run home in the fourth inning.
Sophomore Colleen Shandley started with an infield hit, followed by senior Lindsey Dulla's bunt single. Cygan singled to right to load the bases.
Sophomore first baseman Kiersten Tinkoff then delivered the RBI single to right to bring home Shandley.
Dani Goranson, throwing to her sister Nikki, got out of the jam with a pop out to first and 2 strikeouts.
"I expect the same thing, tooth and nail, low-scoring game," Grams said."I don't know why this time it would be any different."
Elk Grove (16) and Barrington (15) have the most appearances in the title game.
The Fillies have won a record 11 crowns, nine under Peterson and two under former coach Pam Devins.
"This is a great opportunity for our girls to play in such a prestigious game," Peterson said. "This was our goal five weeks ago and now we have a chance to achieve it.
"We need to continue to work well as a group and conquer the challenges that Elk Grove will provide us."