After storm, Grayslake Central reigns

It rained.

The Thunder thundered.

Then Grayslake Central’s softball team stormed back, raining runs.

With darkness setting in, the Rams scored 4 runs in the bottom of the seventh to rally past the visiting Woodstock North Thunder 10-9 in a Fox Valley Conference thriller Tuesday.

Cassidy Obis’ walk-off RBI single with none out in seventh won it.

Grayslake Central (8-9, 4-3) trailed 7-0 after three innings.

“This has been an exciting season for us,” coach Abbey Tadelman said.

Tuesday’s excitement got started in the bottom of the fourth, when the Rams scored 6 runs to pull within one. Claire Brennan’s 2-run homer started the rally, and the Rams later got a single from Caitlin Flary and 3 walks in the frame.

Woodstock North tacked on two more runs in the fifth.

The Thunder held its 9-6 lead into the seventh.

In the bottom of the frame, Sarah Kuligowski led off for Grayslake Central with a walk. Back-to-back singles by winning pitcher Tayler Janda and Brennan loaded the bases.

Beth Caloway and Flary then hit consecutive RBI singles, and an outfield error plated the tying run.

The senior Obis then sent everyone home with a sharp single up the middle.

Brennan, Janda and Flary each finished 2-for-4.

“As I said at the beginning of the season, we’ve been working on raising the intensity level of this team,” Tadelman said. “Things are starting to fall into place for us. The seniors have been great leaders for this team.”