Glenbard South defeats St. Francis again

Different year but same result for the third straight postseason meeting between St. Francis and Glenbard South.

After knocking St. Francis out of the last two sectionals, the Raiders advanced to the Elite Eight by defeating the Spartans 7-1 in the Class 3A softball sectional finals at Glenbard South.

The Spartans (28-4) took an early 1-0 lead Saturday morning and remained in control until the third inning when Raiders center fielder Hannah Davey collided with Carragher on her way home, resulting in two runs and a 2-1 Raiders lead. Neither Carragher nor Davey were injured, and both returned to the game.

“They hit hard,” Raiders coach Julie Fonda said. “It was just incidental, but it was scary.”

Both Fonda and Spartans coach Ralph Remus acknowledged that the two-run swing shifted the momentum in the Raiders’ favor.

“In the umpire’s mind they couldn’t avoid the collision because the catcher was going for the ball,” Remus said. “We didn’t necessarily go with their opinion, but he has the final say on that.”

St. Francis committed 3 errors in the fourth inning and the Raiders took advantage, extending their lead to 6-1. As the Raiders’ bats were building a 6-run lead, the Glenbard South pitchers, Danielle and Stephanie Chitkowski controlled the St. Francis bats. Danielle started and pitched the first three innings before moving to first base in the fourth as Stephanie pitched the final four innings.

“They’re just a great duo,” Fonda said. “Once you get used to (Danielle), it’s too late because now (Stephanie) is in and you’ve got to adjust to her.”

The Raiders’ supersectionals opponent will be a familiar one. They will take on Metro Suburban Conference rival Elmwood Park. The Raiders won both regular-season meetings.

“Still it’s any game, any day,” Danielle Chitkowski said. “A different day they could pound us. We have practice tomorrow; we’re going to focus on the little things and come out strong.”

While another St. Francis season ended at the hands of Glenbard South, Remus was proud of his young team’s success.

“We really didn’t have expectations coming into this year, and all the new kids really stepped up,” said Remus, whose Spartans’ squad graduated seven seniors last year. “This was the best season we’ve ever had.”