Softball: Harper prepares for Region IV tournament
The NJCAA's Division III, Region IV softball tournament begins Friday in Rockford, where Harper College (13-21) has earned the third seed.
Despite a losing record, third-year coach Scott Plaza is confident in his squad's chances.
"Our record is not indicative of our team," Plaza said.
The Hawks play the first game of the tournament at either 11 a.m. or 2 p.m., depending on weather and field conditions, against second-seeded Joliet Junior College.
The Wolves are one of two nationally ranked teams entering the event. Host Rock Valley College is the top seed; the Golden Eagles are the top team in the NJCAA poll.
The Hawks are a combined 2-5 this season against JJC and RVC. The key to postseason success against that caliber of team is simple, according to Plaza, who thinks he has his most talented team yet at Harper.
"We have to hit and play defense," he said. "Everyone uses the regular season for this weekend."
Four Hawks have earned postseason honors, confirming Plaza's opinion that there's enough talent for this group to make a run.
Sophomore Kim Labahn (Hersey) could lead the Hawks to a deep run this weekend, both from the circle and the batter's box. She's second on the team in batting average at .439 and leads Harper in RBI (26) and doubles (8).
As a pitcher, Labahn has won 7 games, including 6 against conference foes, and has exceeded 100 strikeouts. All of that led to first-team spots on both the all-region and all-conference rosters.
Three freshmen also earned postseason recognition. Sydney Heinrich took home second-team all-region honors. In 28 games this season, the Fremd alum hit .346 in 78 at-bats while striking out just eight times. Another of the Hawks' versatile players, she's played both first base and catcher.
Utility player Jessica Kearns lead the squad in at-bats (93) and hits (41.) The Elk Grove alum was also Harper's leader in extra-base hits and sports a .710 slugging percentage to go with a team-best .441 average. The second team all-region honoree was also named NJCAA Division III player of the week twice.
Leadoff hitter Abbey Sloan (Elk Grove) is a second-team all-conference and first-team all-region choice.