Softball: Johnson fans 13, leads Mundelein over Stevenson

Mundelein vs. Stevenson is always a North Suburban rivalry matchup. However, after the Mustangs upset the top-seeded Patriots in last season’s Class 4A sectional semifinal meeting, it seems to have also become a mind game.

“Before the game, I was listening to a lot of motivational podcasts just to kind of put myself [in a good] head space, just because it is such a big rivalry game,” said Mundelein standout senior Shae Johnson.

“I was just trying to do everything I could just so I was in a really good head space because this was a lot more of a mental game, I felt like, for me personally,” she added.

Whatever she did, it worked. After injuries kept her from facing Stevenson last year, she returned to the circle in Lincolnshire on Thursday and struck out 13 batters over seven innings as the Mustangs defeated the Patriots 7-2.

“For some reason, our girls just really get hyped up for this rivalry,” said Mundelein coach Heather Ryan. “Their preparation, I felt like, was on point.”

Johnson set the tone from the first inning onward, pumping a low 60s fastball in for strikes that stumped Patriot batters. She struck out two in the opening frame and took a no-hitter into the sixth.

She finished the complete game on 112 pitches, allowing only three hits and two runs with one walk.

Ava Potempa pitched for the Patriots and held Mundelein (6-3, 3-1) to a lone first inning single through three innings.

“When these kids are presented with a challenge with a great pitcher like Ava … they always rise to the occasion,” said Ryan.

The game was scoreless through three innings as Potempa avoided trouble until Avi Perez sent a leadoff double to left field in the fourth. Johnson drove her in with a double to right, shifting momentum in the Mustangs’ direction.

“I know Shae thrives in big games like these,” added Ryan. “It was just so fun to see two great pitchers going at it.”

The Mustangs broke things open in the fifth, adding five more runs, including a two-run Shea Eaman single. Eaman also drove in the sole run in the sectional semifinal meeting last June.

Potempa finished with seven innings pitched, three strikeouts and three walks while giving up six earned runs.

Stevenson (10-2, 4-2) was able to get the bats going for two runs late. They loaded the bases on Johnson with three consecutive hits in the sixth inning and Caileigh Kedzior drove in a pair with a single to right.

“I feel like [our energy] stayed pretty consistent throughout the whole game,” said Kedzior. “Even though we were down, we still knew that we had a job to do. We did get a couple runs, so that energy came through.”

Johnson, the Mundelein ace, was able to limit the damage and bring home the win.

Stevenson took the NSC crown last year and, despite Thursday's loss, they figure to be a front-runner once again this spring.

“I have a really good group of girls here,” said Patriots coach Brandon Simmons. “They do a great job of playing with and for each other. No one is bigger than the team.”

Alyssa Shimanski and Jasmine Lucero had the other two Stevenson hits and scored both runs.

The Patriots will look to get back on track Friday against Glenbrook South.

“I feel like teamwork is a huge thing,” said Stevenson standout Jasmine Lucero. “We all trust each other.”

Johnson, Eaman, and Perez joined Emily Courtney and Casey Vyverman with two hits apiece for Mundelein.

The Mustangs will have an off day before traveling to Grayslake Central on Saturday.