Bartlett's Wydra no-hits North Stars

Lauren Wydra registered the perfect balance of lethal hitter and unforgiving pitcher.

The Bartlett senior right-hander recorded her second no-hitter of the spring in striking out 8 batters. She also broke open a tight Upstate Eight Conference softball game with a critical 2-run single as the Hawks erupted late in smashing host St. Charles North 8-0 on Monday afternoon.

With her latest gem, Wydra improved her excellent season mark to 7-1. The Hawks ran their record to 9-1, 5-0 in the league. St. Charles North fell to 4-2, 1-2. Bartlett rapped 9 hits.

Wydra allowed just 3 baserunners. She yielded 2 walks and a hit batsman, though no St. Charles North hitter advanced past second base.

She is direct and purpose driven in her approach.

"I just don't think (when I'm on the mound)," said Wydra. "I think our defense is where it's supposed to be. There's no finger crossing when the ball is hit."

In the game's opening four innings St. Charles North sophomore Amanda Engel matched Wydra nearly pitch for pitch. Engel surrendered a lone Alysse Turmina bunt single.

Bartlett ruptured the pitchers' duel in the fifth. The inning began disastrously for the North Stars with a booted grounder and got progressively worse.

Taking advantage of the error, Alexis Gordon scored on a fielder's choice and a North Stars' throwing error. The Hawks threatened by putting runners at second and third. Wydra aided her own cause and delivered the key hit by lacing a single down the right-field line for a 3-0 lead.

"I just went with the pitch," she said.

Rachel Anello added a run-producing double.

Wydra overpowered the North Stars.

"There's not much I can say," St. Charles North coach April Stary said. "We couldn't get a hit. We couldn't buy one, pay for one, bribe for one or blackmail for one."

With the 4-0 lead after the fifth inning, Bartlett continued its onslaught by taking advantage of another Stars' fielding error. The play sparked a 4-run outburst. Illinois State recruit Elizabeth Kay continued her remarkable hitting streak. She punctuated the dominant Hawks' performance by blasting a 3-run shot over the left field fence.

"I'm still not satisfied," said Kay, who is now 16 for her last 19. "I like getting hits all the time. I was looking for my perfect pitch, and (the North Stars' reliever) came with it."