Fremd fields a winner against Mundelein

Fremd junior Sara Untiedt didn’t expect to be playing in Saturday’s regional final at Mundelein.

But there she was, thrust into the key position of shortstop early in the game after regular starter Allie Gaeding went down with a hand injury.

“It was overwhelming at first,” said Untiedt. “Of course the first two plays went to me, but after a bit I settled down and got myself under control.”

Untiedt helped lead a strong defensive effort by the Vikings, and not even a late misplay cost the Vikes in a 4-3 regional championship victory over the host Mustangs.

“We put a lot of faith in our defense, and they did the job,” said Fremd coach Jim Weaver. “Our offense wasn’t there today — we only had 3 hits — so it was especially important that we play well in the field.”

“Sara was outstanding,” added Gaeding.

The Vikings plated 4 runs in the first three innings, helped along by a couple of Mundelein errors and a 2-run double from left fielder Caitlin Patenaude.

But Mundelein struck back with 2 runs in the fifth and 1 in the sixth, highlighted by a long, towering home run over the center-field fence by Hayle Morelli.

“Our kids battled today from the first pitch to the last pitch,” said Mustangs coach Ted Juske. “They played hard.”

The Vikings took a 4-3 lead into the seventh and pitcher Rachel Doering retired the first two Mundelein batters.

Then Untiedt couldn’t come up with a grounder to short and Mustangs shortstop Deanna Wise singled and took an extra base. Just like that, Mundelein had the tying and lead runs in scoring position.

But Doering induced the next Mustangs batter to hit a slow groundball to second, and Megan Hubbard made a nice play to just nip the runner at first.

“I think I owe Megan a cake or something,” said Untiedt. “She saved me.”

Fremd centerfielder Amanda Matsumoto made several outstanding plays in the field, including all-out diving catch in the second inning to save a run.

Morelli and Wise had 2 hits apiece for Mundelein.

“We put ourselves in a position to win today,” said Juske, “but sometimes it just doesn’t work out.”

Hillary Bunnelle, who Weaver said “pitched an outstanding game against us,” was the tough-luck loser for the Mustangs while Doering bore down and got the key outs and the win despite giving up 8 hits and allowing 13 baserunners.

“I wasn’t as strong physically at the end of the game as I was in the beginning of the game,” said Doering, “but I was stronger mentally.”