Softball: Pendowski's 3 homers power Elk Grove

In 39 seasons directing the Elk Grove softball program, Ken Grams saw a first on Saturday.

His junior catcher Katia Pendowski belted 3 home runs in the second game of a doubleheader to help lift the Grenadiers to a 16-2 five-inning triumph over visiting Maine South.

"I don't ever recall that (3 homers by one of his player in one game)," said the hall of fame coach who has 935 wins after a doubleheader sweep on a cold and windy day.

Pendowski belted a 3-run homer, a 2-run blast and a solo shot to spark the Grens' season-high 21-hit attack.

On top of that, her biggest homer of the day came in Game 1.

Pendowski smacked a 3-run walk-off homer with no outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Grens a 14-12 win.

The Hawks had rallied from an 11-6 deficit to take the 12-11 advantage.

The two wins moved the Grens to 10-2 overall.

AJ Trausch (3-for-3) and Olivia Masnica (3-for-4, 2B) also cleared the fence in Game 2 to give the Grens 5 homers in the contest.

Pendowski went 3-for-4 with 6 RBI while other multiple hitters were Jaimie Klicka (4-for-4), Trausch (2-for-4, 2 HRs, 3 RBI), Taylor Schulz (3-for-4) and freshman Ava Engwall (2-for-3, 2B).

Brooke Baldassarre threw a 5-hitter with 3 strikeouts and no walks to even her record at 1-1.

In Game 1, Masnica (3-0) earned the win, striking out four.

Leading the host's offense were Pendowski (4-for-5, HR, 4 RBI), Klicka (4-for-4, HR, 4 RBI), Schulz (2-for-4, 2 doubles), Masnica (2-for 4, 2 runs) and Alexis Fontanetta (2B).

Pendowski and Trausch now share the team lead with 9 homers apiece.

Palatine wins twice: The Pirates ran their wining streak to 11 with a 26-9 win over Vernon Hills and a 12-1 decision over Grant at the Vernon Hills tourney. Freshman Kelly Beach (3-0) struck out two while earning the win against Grant as the Pirates (11-1) belted 26 hits. Leading the way were Kaitlyn Reed (3-for-5, 3B, 4 RBI), Grace Huff (4-for-5, 2B, 4 RBI), Rhiann Dick (4-for-4, 3 RBI), Mandy Logan (4-for-5, 2B, 4 RBI, 4 runs), Emily Parrott (3-for 5, 3B, 3 RBI) and Emily Brinckerhoff (2-for-4, 2B, 3 RBI). Rhiann Dick (8-1) struck out 11 against Grant as Amanda Stanczuk (5-for-5, 2B, 6 RBI), Chase Friel (2-for-2, RBI) and Reed (3-for-5, 3 runs) led the offense.

"Rhiann looked great today," said Palatine assistant coach Kristen Profitt. "She had to fill two different roles, which can be really tough. She did a nice job shutting down Vernon Hills when she came in relief. Then she came back and took control against Grant. Being able to pitch in both of those situations with control and speed is something that makes Rhiann such an asset on our staff."

"One of our goals this season was to beat Grant," Stanczuk said. "The past two years we've struggled when we played them but this year we set out to play our best against them."

"My catcher Anna Selleck is very amazing behind the plate, not only for me but for Kelly (Beach), too," Dick added. "I'm really excited and I am looking forward to the upcoming week."

Fremd 11, St. Viator 1: Sophomore Grace Hiller (3-1) fired a 3-hitter with 4 strikeouts as Fremd improved to 5-2. Kelsey Brauer (2-for-3, 3 RBI) and Cali DiVito (2-for-3, 2 RBI) were multiple hitters for Fremd while teammates Kayln McCarthy (2B) Sophia Crescio, McKenna Schneider, Reagan Goluch, Sydney Kruto and Gianna Arnieri each had a hit. Nicole Ardito, Cece Kaiser and Marissa Zaron had singles for the Lions (5-9).

Meadows sweeps: Host Rolling Meadows (8-4) stopped West Chicago 16-1 (4 innings) and 13-12. Sam Allen (2-for-3, HR), Emily Schmidt (1-2, 2 2B, 3 RBI), Sara Benner (1-for-2, HR, 2 RBI), Caroline Slowik (2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI), Sam Elenz (2-for-3, RBI) and Stephanie Thompson (2B) led the offense. Senior Elise Kowalski (4-3) earned the win. In Game 2, Kendra Herring (4-1) was the winning pitcher as Meadows rallied from an 8-0 deficit. Leading the offense were Herring (2-for-3), Thompson (2-for-4, 2 2B, 4 RBI), Slowik (2-4, RBI), Schmidt (2B) and Sam Benner (3-for-5, 2 RBI), who belted the first homer of her varsity career.

Glenbrook South 11, Schaumburg 10: Morgan Miller (3-for-4, 4 RBI), Tiffani Rudnick (2-for-5, 2 runs), Mariah Guiterrez (2-for-4) and Sophie Rainey (2-for-4) were multiple hitters for the host Saxons (4-9). Teammates Talia Torosian (3 runs) and Kim Kolodziej each had 1 hit.

Leyden 15, Waukegan 0: Sophomore Bre Deutscher tossed a shutout as the host Eagles improved their record to 10-2 with the win at the Ballpark in Rosemont.

Highland Park 10, Hoffman Estates 0: Top hitters for the host Hawks (1-7) were senior Ayanna Ward (2-for-2, 2B), junior Patricia Wadas (2-for-2), and freshman Gracie Velasquez (2B).

Grayslake Central 10, Buffalo Grove 5: Freshman Angelina Craig had a double for the host Bison (3-5).