Softball: Johnson’s gem sends Mundelein back to state
Mundelein clinched its second Class 4A supersectional title in three seasons, as clutch hitting and aggressive base running gave ace Shae Johnson all that she needed in the circle to claim a 3-0 victory over Lane Tech on Monday in Rosemont.
For Johnson, it was a full circle moment. She was a driving force behind the 2024 Mustangs state tournament run that took home fourth place before a torn labrum kept her from pitching last season.
She has dazzled all spring for Mundelein (22-5) and did so again Monday, striking out 13 hitters throughout a complete game three-hit shutout.
“I don't even have words to explain how I'm feeling right now,” said Johnson, who only walked one batter on 115 pitches. “This game means more to me than anyone really knows.”
Johnson struck out the first batter during a scoreless first inning before Mundelein right fielder Casey Vyverman recorded the game's first hit with a single to right field in the top of the second.
Vyverman stole second base two batters later before Mustangs second baseman Devin Hill drove her in with another single to right off Lane Tech pitcher Sofia Stronsky.
“My teammates told me that she likes to throw her rise,” explained Hill. “First pitch, I was anticipating the rise — it was a ball. The second pitch, I was just hunting middle out, got that, and hit it over the second baseman’s head.”
After Vyverman crossed the plate, it remained 1-0 for a few frames as both pitchers found a rhythm.
“I think we really just need to score the first run. That's been our thing all year,” said Vyverman. “Once we get the first run, we know that we have it after that.”
That confidence comes natural when Johnson is in a groove in the circle.
Johnson held the one-run lead as she struck out a pair of Lane Tech (22-10) hitters in the bottom of the second and punched out the side in the third.
Shea Eamon singled for Mundelein with one out in the fourth. She later reached second before Avi Perez drove her home with a gap double to right center.
Mustangs coach Heather Ryan waved Eamon around at third, eager for some insurance runs in this pitchers duel.
“We just weren't really ready for all the off-speed,” said Ryan. “Once we got on base, we needed to take advantage and get ourselves moving around.”
With a two-run lead, Johnson was able to keep runners off base and secure one out after another, methodically putting Lane Tech away.
“I think it just takes pressure off me,” said Johnson about pitching with a lead. “Especially when I'm kind of grooving through batters and we're able to score a runner too.”
With Johnson working confidently in the circle, it was quiet until the top of the seventh, when Mundelein added more insurance when a Kieley Tomas triple drove in Sarah Benes to make it 3-0.
The Mustangs will head to Peoria a day early for their state semifinal matchup with defending state champion Oswego at 4:45 p.m. Friday.
“Our team loves going to Wally's, so we'll hit Wally's on the way down there,” said Hill, with a grin when asked about her agenda for the rest of the week. “We go to Bloomington during spring break, so we like that tradition.”
“Our theme is Wally's or bust,” added Ryan, who explained that the Mustangs bonded as a team at the truck stop on a trip down state in 2024. “They're impressed easily, which is … you know, I'm OK with that.”