Fecho, Glenbard North outlast Bartlett
Somebody had to win the softball pitchers duel between Glenbard North’s Lilly Fecho and Bartlett’s Tori Burke Thursday.
Glenbard North got past Bartlett 1-0 Thursday at Bartlett. Fecho was stellar in her 7 innings pitched, giving up only 4 hits while striking out 9 and walking 2.
“It’s good to get into a rhythm,” Fecho said. “(Catcher Alexis Simone) and I get along really well so I trust her and throw certain pitches in situations, and she knows the situation too. I have a great outfield and infield behind me to back it up, so it was a really good team effort today.”
Panthers’ left fielder Bri Harn led the game off with a single, and was followed by a double from center fielder Kelsey Muller. The Panthers got on the board as shortstop Sydney Benz knocked Harn in on a fielder’s choice grounder. Muller was left on third after Fecho struck out and Simone flew out to center field to end the first inning.
Although Fecho didn’t need more than that 1 run of support, she knows the offense is hard at work to improve on hitting with runners in scoring position.
“When we have runners in scoring position we have to get them in,” Fecho said. “We’re building up, and we will only go up from here.”
Burke had a solid outing for the Hawks (2-2) pitching 7 innings and giving up 1 run on 6 hits, tallying 3 strikeouts and not allowing a walk.
“Tori pitched her heart out today,” said Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith. “It would have been nice to get her a win. I thought she pitched really well. She kept (Glenbard North) off-balance when they did hit the ball. She gave up a couple of doubles but she didn’t let that rattle her at all. She fielded her position well, and she did everything you could ask for from a pitcher.”
Harn went 2-for-3 with 2 singles for the Panthers (5-0), while first baseman Heather Sperlazzo went 2-for-3 with 2 doubles. For The Hawks, third baseman Sydney Johnson and Amanda Montbriand each had hits.
Panthers’ coach Josh Sanew was pleased with how Fecho’s performance carried the team despite the offensive struggles.
“You saw a senior come out here today and put the team on her back,” he said. “We didn’t play very well out here, but Lilly showed her senior leadership. She was excellent.”