Wittenberg, Glenbard South still going strong
Jenny Wittenberg laughs at the notion that she’s been at Glenbard South “forever.”
“I feel like I’m never going to leave,” replied the Raiders shortstop.
Now a senior, the aptly-named “Little 1” for her size and uniform number has a chance to leave one last big mark.
Wittenberg and Glenbard South are back in the Class 3A state semifinals for the third time in four years. The Raiders (28-5) meet La Salle-Peru (25-6) at 9:30 a.m. today in East Peoria.
Wittenberg, a four-year starter, is the only member of this Glenbard South team to also play on the 2008 third-place group and 2009 fourth-place team.
“Just making it down here is a big feat,” Wittenberg said, “but yes, there is some unfinished business.”
The 3A field in East Peoria is noteworthy for the teams who didn’t make it. Defending state champion Metamora was upset in the sectional semifinals. LaSalle-Peru, making its first state appearance, stunned top-ranked and 2009 champ Oak Forest 1-0 on Monday.
“I thought it was a done deal,” Wittenberg said of facing Oak Forest.
LaSalle-Peru, winner of zero sectionals and three regionals before this year, is led by juniors Taylor Schmidt and Ally Smith.
“They are very comparable to us,” Glenbard South coach Julie Fonda said. “They depend a lot on their pitching and defense, and they hope to score a run or two.”
Fonda’s pitching/defense/little-ball philosophy has been tweaked some this year, and with good reason. These Raiders have pounded opponents to the tune of more than 8 runs per game. The team is hitting .395, with sophomore Jane Trzaska at .542 with 29 RBI and junior Danielle Chitkowski at .505 with 33 RBI. Hannah Davey checks in at .430 and Wittenberg .402.
On the mound Jess Wilkes is 20-3 and heated up as the season wore on with a 1.38 ERA over her last 16 starts.
“This is the best hitting team I’ve ever played on,” Wittenberg said. “Ever since my freshman year I’ve felt like state was a more attainable goal. This year it was almost like an expectation.”
In the second semifinal Bethalto Civic Memorial (30-5), making its first state appearance since 1985, meets Marengo (31-9). Marengo, which lost to Glenbard South in the 2008 third-place game, upset Antioch in a sectional semifinal.
Glenbard South pounded Marengo 10-0 back on April 9.
No team in the 3A semifinals has played in a state championship game, let alone won it. The Raiders’ intentions are clear.
“There is definitely a different feel to this than our other two times down here. This time it is definitely going down with the purpose of winning it,” Fonda said. “I don’t think the kids will be satisfied with anything less.”