Jacobs, Kirker surprise Cary-Grove
It seemed appropriate Katie Kirker’s finest moment would come in a regional championship game.
Retiring the first 15 batters she faced, Kirker, who has been plagued by injuries her entire high school career, twirled a masterful 1-hit shutout as second-seeded Jacobs upset top-seeded Cary-Grove 1-0 in the Class 4A Huntley regional final Saturday. It is the Golden Eagles’ third straight regional title.
Jacobs (23-14) advance to the Cary-Grove sectional to play Hononegah. which beat Harlem 9-4 to win its own regional. Jacobs lost to Hononegah 8-5 at the Harlem quad two weeks ago.
Cary-Grove finished the season 27-8.
Kirker, who had the Trojan hitters off stride with a variety of pitches, struck out 6 without allowing a walk.
“With all the injuries I have had in high school, this is an amazing feeling,” said Kirker. “Cary-Grove is a great team. This win makes up for all the frustrations. My defense was outstanding. I love them. They really helped me out. All my pitches were working and my location in and out was good.”
The lone Cary-Grove hit was a lead off sixth inning double by Kaitlyn Adams. Adams was sacrificed to third by pinch-hitter Ellen Celske, but Kirker got tough and struck out pinch-hitter Rebecca Lowe and leadoff batter Sara Markelonis to wiggle out of the jam.
“We saw some glimpses of the way Katie could pitch this season,” said Jacobs coach Jeremy Bauer. “We knew it was within her grasp to pitch well. It is nice to see her healthy and pitching well. She was absolutely outstanding. She mixed her pitches well and had a great game plan. “
Kirker was aided by a flawless defense which didn’t commit an error. The best defensive play of the game came from shortstop Maggie Hansen, who made a diving catch on a line drive by Lisa Semro with two outs in the fifth.
“I just reacted to the ball of the bat,” said Hansen. “I just wanted to get to the ball and make the catch.”
The lone run for Jacobs off Cary-Grove junior standout Lindsay Efflandt came in the fourth on an RBI single by No. 9 hitter Kaitlynn Woloszyk. Efflandt, who struck out 8 while walking 1, gave up 1 run while scattering 8 singles.
“Any time you have a 1-0 game you have great pitching,” said Cary-Grove coach Tammy Olson. “Katie Kirker and Lindsay (Efflandt) both pitched great. We had a great season. This group of girls worked very hard and I am very proud of them.”