DuPage County softball notes: Aurora University hosting triple-header for DVC Cares

A long-standing tradition returns to Aurora University’s softball field Thursday.

The 2024 edition of the DuPage Valley Conference Cares event features a triple-header with Naperville Central-Neuqua Valley (3:45 p.m.), Waubonsie Valley-Metea Valley (5:30 p.m.) and Naperville North-DeKalb (7:15 p.m.).

This is the 15th year of the DVC Cares event where conference teams have raised money and donated needed supplies to Mutual Ground in Aurora, an organization whose mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities to eliminate domestic and sexual violence and the harms of substance use through education, awareness, and life-changing services.

The idea was hatched as a way for female athletes to give back to a local woman’s charity. Though there are many of those in the area, the DVC coaching staffs and players agreed Mutual Ground is a well-suited, under-represented cause.

In those 15 years, the DVC has been able to donate more than $30,000 in money, gift cards and supplies to Mutual Ground. The conference softball teams expect to donate around $700 in Uber/Lyft and gas gift cards, ample amounts of diapers, gently used or new bath towels and pillows, as well as household cleaning supplies, especially laundry detergent and disinfectant wipes.

“With one in four females statistically dealing with these difficult situations, the DVC Cares game has brought to the forefront to hundreds of young female athletes a way to give back to their community and know there is a place to get help if ever needed,” Naperville North coach Jerry Kedziora said. “A special thanks goes out to all the coaching staffs in the conference. Their organization and time has helped keep this cause alive. More importantly, the countless players and parents who have donated their time and money over the past 15 seasons to make this a truly special event.”

Addison Trail update: The Blazers, who have no seniors on the team, started the week 7-12 and 2-2 in West Suburban Gold play. Addison Trail recently beat DuPage 88 neighbor Willowbrook 10-6. Maria Llovares is hitting .426, while Nina Matthews has 4 home runs. “Both Nina and Marisa were very good this past week,” Addison Trail coach Mark Olson said.

Benet Academy update: The Redwings are turning on the jets, sitting at 13-5 overall and 7-1 in East Suburban Catholic action, riding a 10-game winning streak to start the week. Grace Babich is hitting .423 with 8 homers and 30 RBI in 18 games. “Grace’s defense is as good as her offense,” coach Jerry Schilf said. “She calls a great games and has 13 pickoffs.” Nina Pesare is hitting .536 out of the leadoff spot with 25 stolen bases. “Nina gets the offense going and is a great centerfielder that turns hits into outs,” Schilf noted.

Downers Grove South update: It’s been smooth sailing for the Mustangs, who had won 10 of their last 11 games to start the week, including a split with Oak Park-River Forest and a win over Planfield North. Julia Colorato (.516 batting average), Victoria Colorato (.438), Grace Taylor (.500) and Ella Kushing (.459) have led the offensive charge. South (13-4, 6-0 West Suburban Gold) has struck 32 home runs as a team.

The Colorato girls alone, coach Jim Cushing noted, have accounted for a combined 53, hits, 14 doubles and 9 homers. “Julia is a senior and Victoria is a sophomore,” he said. “They have been quite the sister tandem.”

Fenton update: The Bison (11-11, 4-7 Upstate Eight) scored recent wins against Lake Forest, Streamwood and Proviso East (2 wins) as part of a 5-3 recent run. Izzy Delgado (.400 batting average, 1.227 OPS, 25 RBI, 30 runs), Keira McGowan (.372 batting), Kaily Bernero (.366 batting, .997 OPS, 17 RBI), Nicole Staszel (.969 OPS), Alyssa Alanis (20 RBI, 20 runs scored), Emma Siekierski (17 RBI) and Kayla Valadez (24 runs) have been key contributors for coach Dave Mello’s squad.

Mello had high praise for the recent play of freshman Bernero, sophomore Alanis and junior McGowan. “Kailey has been amazing the last few weeks,” he said. “She has been pitching very well in addition to being one of the best hitters in our lineup. She is having one of the better freshman seasons we have had. Alyssa has moved to shortstop and has solidified our infield defense in addition to putting up solid numbers in the middle of the lineup. Keira is playing excellent in right field, while having moved her way up to the leadoff spot.”

Glenbard North update: The Panthers are heating up, having won eight of their last 10 to sit at 10-7 overall and 3-3 in DuKane Conference play, including a big 6-4 win over Wheaton North.

Northwestern University commit Tru Medina is hitting .589 with 8 homers and 30 RBI, while leadoff hitter Lauren Kozlovsky, a sophomore center fielder, is at .439 with 2 homers and 17 RBI. Sophomore second baseman Gia Whelan is hitting .323 with 3 homers and 22 RBI, while senior catcher Ava Kozlovsky is hitting .370 with a homer and 20 RBI. Coach Josh Sanew lauded the defensive efforts of Medina, Whelan and Ava Kozlovsky.

Sophomore pitcher Avery Miller pitched 12 innings against Lake Park (lost 4-2) and also threw an 8-inning game against St. Charles East (1-0 loss). “Avery has been throwing excellent,” Sanew said. “She is just starting to get healthy.”

Sanew noted Medina, a junior, has been on fire at the plate and in the field. “She is the best shortstop I have ever seen,” he said. “Her defense is amazing, her arm is the best I have seen and she can run with anyone. Tru can do it all at the plate and has tremendous power.”

Glenbard West update: The Hilltoppers recorded recent wins against Lyons Township (5-1) and Hinsdale Central (7-4) to sit at 11-9 overall and 3-2 in West Suburban Silver action. Ainslee Bobroff (.391 batting average, .623 slugging, 1.044 OPS, 7 doubles, 3 homers, 20 RBI) and Alexa Trybus (.375 batting average, .562 slugging, .999 OPS, 3 doubles, 3 homers, 13 RBI) lead the way offensively, while Olivia Salerno (6-4, 91 strikeouts, 70 innings) and Ellie Adduci (5-5, 68 strikeouts, 51 2/3 innings), “are both throwing really well and they complement each other, which makes them a great combo on the mound,” West coach Mary McGrane said. Megan Stieglitz has 5 homers, three of which were during her first at-bat of the game. “Megan is our spark at the top of the lineup,” McGrane added. Bobroff also drew praise for her recent work. “Ainslie is a solid, all-around player,” McGrane said. “She’s a gamer and starting to catch fire at the plate.”

Glenbard South update: The Raiders started the week 7-13 and 5-5 in Upstate Eight action, led by the likes of Delaney Nelson (.333 batting average, .415 on-base, 5 stolen bases) and Emma Full (.341 batting, .400 on-base, 11 RBI).

Hinsdale Central update: On the Red Devils’ recent senior night Annie Mayer hit 2 home runs, one a grand slam. “The team has continued to make improvements each practice and game,” said assistant coach Kendall Duffy. “We are excited for the next few weeks to keep improving and playing the way we know we are capable of.” Central recorded recent wins against Addison Trail and Morton and played a close game against Downers North (2-1 loss).

IC Catholic Prep update: The Knights started the week 16-2 overall and 8-2 in Girls Catholic White Division action. Analisa Raffaelli continues to be on a tear, hitting .603 with 8 homers and 44 stolen bases. Anjelina Dwyer has 29 RBI and 10 doubles. ICCP beat St. Francis recently to avenge an earlier loss. “We have had some rough innings where errors got the best of us,” ICCP coach Frank Reaber explained. “However, the girls go back out on the field the next inning and don’t take whatever mistakes may have occurred back out with them. They go out with the mentality of ‘win this inning,’ and we can see it happening when we come back at the end of games.”

Lake Park update: The Lancers recorded big DuKane extra-inning wins against St. Charles East and Glenbard North and sat at 16-2 overall and 6-1 in conference action to start the week. Kylie Pytlak recently hit for the cycle at Batavia, while Ari O’Connell hit 2 homers against Batavia. Coach Lynsey Gunnells noted Gianna Furlano has been strong in the circle. Pytlak is hitting .480 with 7 homers and 11 extra-base hits, while Ava Arenz is at .452 with 15 extra-base hits, including 8 doubles and 5 home runs. “We are finding a way to score with runners in scoring position and are becoming more confident on defense,” Gunnells added.

Montini update: The Broncos (8-17, 3-5 Girls Catholic Red) have been paced at the plate by senior Erin Grimsley (.474, .718 slugging, 37 hits, 16 doubles, 29 runs scored), freshman Cedona Barrett (.443, .709 slugging, 35 hits, 25 RBI) and junior Katherine Filkowski (.418, .620 slugging, 9 stolen bases).

Metea Valley update: The Mustangs (11-8, 8-1 DuPage Valley) were 10-4 over their last 14 after a 1-4 start with key wins against Neuqua Valley, Glenbard North and two each against Naperville North and Waubonsie Valley.

Reese Valha hit 3 home runs in one game against Waubonsie Valley and is hitting .413 with 31 hits, 7 doubles, 2 triples, 6 homers and 26 RBI to go with 28 runs scored. Genevieve Gonzales is hitting .529 with 37 hits, 12 doubles, 25 runs scored and 33 RBI and recently earned the win in the circle against Glenbard North. Charlie Benesh is 8-1 pitching in conference, 10-3 overall and averages 1 strikeout per inning.

Naperville North update: The Huskies (8-14, 3-6 DuPage Valley) have 3 players living north of .400 at the plate in Sara Rossi (.470, 1.160 OPS, 20 RBI, 19 runs scored, 12 stolen bases), Olivia Hebron (.456, 1.130 OPS, 18 RBI, 32 runs scored, 15 steals) and Gabi Chmiel (.444, 1.181 OPS, 23 RBI), who also leads in most pitching categories. Hebron hit .650 with 13 hits, 2 homers, 7 RBI and 14 runs scored in a recent 6-game span from the leadoff spot, while Chmiel hit .580 with 6 extra-base hits and 12 RBI during that span, to go with 3 wins in the circle. Rossi hit .571 with 8 RBI and 12 runs scored from the No. 2 spot during those 6 games.

Waubonsie Valley update: The Warriors (11-11, 5-4 DuPage Valley) enjoyed a recent 4-game winning streak (Neuqua Valley, Naperville North, Naperville Central and Montini). Hannah Laub (.571 batting average, 44 hits, 12 doubles, 3 triples, 10 homers, 30 RBI, 28 runs scored), Gia Cobert (.380, 30 hits, 8 doubles, 11 RBI, 27 runs) and Aislee Morgan (.375, 27 hits, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 27 RBI, 19 runs scored) top the charts offensively. “Hannah Laub is the heart of our lineup,” coach Valerie Wood said. “She always comes through with a hit when we need it. She is also a leader on and off the field. The team looks up to Hannah for guidance and direction.”

Samantha Weirtelak has been strong for Waubonsie in the circle, Wood noted. “Samantha has become a force on the mound,” she said. “She has taken over most of the pitching duties. She has good movement and keeps the walks to a minimum.”

West Chicago update: Jasmyn Trigueros struck out 12 and earned the complete-game shutout in a 1-0 nonconference win over Wheaton Warrenville South. She’s also hitting .447 at the plate (.511 on-base percentage) to go with 48 strikeouts and a 2.40 ERA pitching. Scout Gallagher is hitting .455 (.558 on-base) with 4 homers and 20 RBI to go with a 0.63 ERA and 47 strikeouts in the circle. Sophia Ptak is hitting .556 (.630 on-base, 25 runs scored, 3 home runs), while Haylee Majer is hitting .474 with 3 homers and 18 RBI. West Chicago (13-2, 9-1 Upstate Eight) has scored 146 runs in 15 games.

Westmont update: The Sentinels started the week 3-10 overall and 0-4 in Metro Suburban action. Westmont scored recent back-to-back wins over Cristo Rey (18-1) and the Morton JV (22-2). Riley Brandani his hitting .333, while Reagan Kelly has a team-high 8 hits. Grace Détente has 9 RBI and Brandani and Alice O’Connor each have 8 stolen bases.

Wheaton North update: The Falcons were DuKane Conference winners over Wheaton Warrenville South (1-0) and St. Charles North (4-3) last week. Wheaton North started the week 15-4 overall and 5-2 in DuKane play.

The Falcons continue to be led by the trio of Erin Metz (.475 batting average, 29 hits, 25 RBI, 135 strikeouts pitching, 1.82 ERA), Reagan Crosthwaite (.448 batting, .568 on-base, 26 hits, 30 RBI) and Monica Kading (.414 batting, .514 on-base).

“Erin is key for us right now in the circle and in the batter’s box,” coach Allie Ravanesi said. “She is a leader and wants to win. And teams are starting not to pitch to Reagan, so clearly she is a threat. She still works hard in the box, makes the plays and is a leader for us all-around. Monica has really stepped up for her team. She is our leadoff hitter and if she doesn’t get on, she fights like hell. If she does get on, she makes things happen. I love watching her play this game. She is a leader as well in the box and at third base.”

Wheaton Warrenville South update: Junior slapper Abby Meese (.547 batting, 35 hits, 22 runs and 14-for-15 in steals) has been a catalyst out of the leadoff spot. “Abby has been on a roll,” coach Jeff Pawlak said. “Her on-base percentage is outstanding and she’s been great in center field, tracking down balls and saving our team with multiple high-end plays.”

Seniors Maddie Pool (.355, 22 hits, 17 RBI, 5 doubles, 2 homers), Parker Leonard (.414, 13 runs, 24 hits, 7 doubles) and Brooke Struebing (.404, 18 RBI, 5 doubles, 3 homers) also have been strong. “We’ve won three in a row and are back into conference this week where we need to do a better job executing with runners on base,” Pawlak explained. “We have lost a few 1-run games the first time through conference so we are hoping to turn around our fortunes.”

York update: Sophomore Lilly Burda is hitting .509 and leads the team in a variety of other offensive categories. “This is Lilly’s second year on varsity and she is really coming into her own,” coach Lisa Fraticola said. “She takes charge in the field and is an incredible defensive player. She is also a key part of our lineup. She makes things happen for us offensively.”

Freshman catcher/third baseman Sara Steinecker is hitting .386 (5 doubles, 3 homers) for the Dukes (10-8, 3-1 West Suburban Silver), while the junior pitching tandem of Avery Kanouse (115 strikeouts in 68 innings, 1.85 ERA) and Taylor McMillen (1.54 ERA) also has excelled. Kanouse is hitting .357 as well.

“Sara Steinecker has been an exciting addition to our team as a freshman,” Fraticola said. “She is a versatile player who has been playing multiple positions and getting the job done at the plate.”