DuPage County softball notes: Freshman duo help Glenbard North start strong

Who is the hottest softball team in DuPage County that's flying under the radar?

The Glenbard North Panthers, that's who.

Under longtime coach Josh Sanew, the Panthers had fashioned a 7-1 overall record and a five-game winning streak through Tuesday's 7-3 nonconference win over Metea Valley.

The Panthers are scheduled to play at St. Charles East in a DuKane Conference matchup on Thursday, a game that sets them on a seven-game stretch against ranked teams, including a Saturday doubleheader at home against South Elgin.

Senior Elizabeth Welch has led the Panthers' offense thus far, hitting .690 with 7 RBI.

But it's been the pitching of two freshmen that has impressed Sanew the most. Lauren Kozlovsky is 3-0 with a 1.83 ERA, while Avery Miller is 3-0 with a 2.43.

"We are playing great team softball," said Sanew, whose team owns wins over Naperville North, Waubonsie Valley, York, Geneva and Metea during the win streak.

"Our pitching has been excellent and our defense has been very good. Offensively we have been hitting well as a team and producing good offense. The girls are doing an excellent job of playing together and each day a new kid steps up. Overall a great team effort and great team play."

Naperville North update:

The Huskies bounced back from a 10-0 loss last week to Glenbard North to win their next three games, downing DeKalb 3-0 in a DuPage Valley Conference game, Elk Grove 10-2 in a nonconference matchup and then a 3-0 win over Naperville Central on Tuesday in a FVC tilt to run their record to 9-4 overall and 3-0 in the DVC. Senior Charlotte Chelich tossed a 4-hitter against the Redhawks.

"The last seven games have seen the Huskies hit their stride offensively with four players hitting over .400 in that stretch," said NN coach Jerry Kedziora. "Junior Oliva Hebron is becoming more comfortable in the leadoff spot and getting on base over half the time. Chelich hit her first two home runs of the season and is leading the team in RBIs. Kristina Donaldson continues her team lead in HRs (with 4). Freshman Gabi Chmiel hit her first home run and senior Ellie Goff has made the most of her opportunities getting some big hits down in the lineup.

"We just didn't show up for a good (Glenbard North) team. You can't do that against a really good team."

Chelich is now 4-0 over the last two weeks, and has 63 strikeouts in that span, including 14 against Naperville Central.

Addison Trail update:

The Blazers are on a four-game winning streak, including a 7-6 triumph over Glenbard South in 10 innings.

Giuliana Clementi belted a 2-run homer in that game to tie it. Marisa Lloveras pitched 9 innings for win, and Ali Haag picked up the save.

IC Catholic Prep update:

Analisa Raffaelli had 4 homers for the Knights (12-2, 5-0 MSC) during the last two weeks, resulting in 10 RBI, 5 runs and a .714 average. Riley Venn had a .565 average over the last two weeks with 13 hits, 2 doubles and a triple, while Anjelina Dwyer had 533 average with 8 hits, 4 doubles, a homer and 7 RBI.

Dwyer won the two games she pitched and Maddy Dinino won the three games she pitched.

"We play a heavy schedule these next two weeks," said IC coach Sarah Palandri." Our team needs to continue to hit the ball well and play strong defense."

Lake Park update:

The Lancers (10-4-1, 1-1) were cooled off a bit, falling to St. Charles East and Marist before coming back to beat Batavia 14-6 on Tuesday.

"The offense has been steady with six starters hitting over .400," said coach Tom Mazzie. "The pitching and defense have both been solid enough to keep us in games giving the offense a chance to lead the way Our two senior pitchers, Mia Savage and Mia Giammarese, have complimented each other well. Their command continues to improve."

Mazzie said junior Kylie Pytlak has been on an absolute tear over the past week, hitting .590 with 3 doubles, 3 home runs, 13 RBI and 7 runs in 22-at bats.

Willowbrook update:

The Warriors saw their four-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday with a 6-1 loss to Downers Grove South.

Prior to that game, though, Willowbrook had won its previous four games by a combined score of 47-4.

Entering this week, Karman Rowe (8-0, 66 Ks, 2.57 ERA), Kayleigh Dennison, (. 528, 3 HRs, 3 doubles, 3 triples, 14 RBI, 16 runs scored), Sonia Ruchala (. 457, 2 HRs, 4 doubles, 11 RBI, 13 runs scored) and Lindsey Rugg (424, 10 RBI, 14 runs scored) were leading the way.

"We are playing good, competitive, team softball right now," said Warriors coach Rachel Karos. "Our hitting is starting to pick back up, our pitchers are making hitters make decisions, and our defense is consistent.":

Glenbard West update:

The Hilltoppers were 6-6 overall to start the week.

"In our eight games over the last two weeks we've hit .404 as a team and scored 50 runs," said coach Mary McGrane. "Of the 53 runs given up, only 33 have been earned."

Ellie Adduci hit 2 home runs against Hinsdale South and Ainslie Bobroff has two against Rolling Meadows. Megan Stieglitz hit a grand slam against WW South.

"WSC play starts this week, and we hope to have a solid start against some solid conference opponents," McGrane said.

Metea Valley update:

The Mustangs were 4-10 overall but 2-0 in the DuPage Valley heading into Thursday's battle against Naperville North.

Genevieve Gonzales is hitting .500 with 8 doubles, 20 RBI and 10 runs scored, while Reese Valha- is hitting .429 with 6 doubles, 10 RBI and 14 runs scored to lead the team.

Hinsdale Central update:

The Red Devils had won 4 straight and were 6-2 heading into Wednesday's WSC Silver opener at Oak Park-River Forest.

"We've had big contributions offensively from Naomi Cook, Amanda Drew, Maisie McDaniel, Sophie DiPasquale, Sarah Brosius, and Amelia McLaughlin," said Central coach Brittany Zust. "McLaughlin had a game-winning walk off hit to win it in the bottom of the seventh against Leyden and in our 9-1 win over Hinsdale South, senior Sarah Brosius pitched a 1-hitter with 9 Ks.

"I am so proud of the way the girls are playing. Their hard work is paying off."

Fenton update:

Fenton is 6-8 overall and 2-2 in the Upstate Eight,

"All of the losses were against top teams in the area with the possible exception of Yorkville Christian, but their pitcher is the best we have faced this season so far," said Bison coach Dave Mello.

"The highlight of the last two weeks was a Saturday night game at Whitney Young. It was a great experience for the girls to play on a beautiful turf field with the city lights in the background and the fact that it was 80 degrees made it even better."

"Sophomore catcher Izzy Delgado has been on a tear at the plate with a .450 average with 5 doubles and 3 triples. Junior Kayla Valadez also getting it done at the plate with a .355 average and 18 runs scored," Mello added.