Brottman, Fremd revert to form in victory against Stevenson

A little more than 10 months ago, Fremd pitcher Lena Brottman and her softball team were in East Peoria winning the third-place game of the Class 4A softball state finals 1-0 over Loyola.

On Tuesday in Lincolnshire, the school's all-time career leader in strikeouts was back on the mound for her senior season and the Vikings were winning again behind a shutout from Brottman.

The all-area senior ace fired a 4-hitter with 14 strikeouts and no walks as Fremd blanked Stevenson 2-0 in the season opener for both teams.

"It was great to be out there again," said Brottman, who has more than 600 strikeouts and was 21-4 last season. "Even though we have a lot of seniors back from last season, there was still an adrenaline rush and it's nice to get the first game of the way.

"Just getting out on the field and playing was great."

"Lena was definitely sharp," said Fremd coach Jim Weaver. "She got a little tired at the end when they got 2 hits in the seventh inning, but we'll get her extended out as we go on."

Brottman, who threw to senior catcher Kristine Werling (double), was one of six starters for last year's team on the field Tuesday for Fremd

The outfield remained intact with seniors Jenny Schneider, Alexa Cinquegrani and Tess Dinterman.

Fremd third baseman Kelly Voigt is not expected to play until after spring break due to an injury and junior shortstop Allie Gaeding (illness) did not play Tuesday.

That meant senior second baseman Lauren Zaworski was the only Viking infielder in her normal position for the opener.

The Loyola-bound Zaworski was 2-for-2 with a triple, 2 runs and a walk.

Senior Emily Janes had both of the RBI for Fremd, getting one with a double.

Sophomore Megan Hubbard, who made her first start at short in place of Gaeding, went 1-for-2 with a double.

"Megan did a great job," Weaver said. "She is a very talented kid for a sophomore. She played real well at short even though she had no time to practice there."

Stevenson senior pitcher Allison Mucucci also impressed Weaver.

"She threw the ball well and didn't make a lot of mistakes," Weaver said. "She threw a real good game. Stevenson is a really a good team. They are going to win a ton of games."

Prairie Ridge 4, Palatine 1: Junior Sam Salomone's two-out double in the sixth inning brought home senior Joanna Jablonski (2-for-3) for the Pirates' only run.

Katie Scovic and pitcher Chrissy Roto also had hits for the Pirates in their season opener.