Persistence pays as Fremd tops Carmel

Fremd's softball team rallied back from three deficits in Mundelein on Tuesday to win its season opener 10-7 over Carmel.

Trailing 7-5, the Vikings scored 5 runs in the top of the seventh to notch the win for senior pitcher Joanna Josten, who struck 10.

Lauren Vanhavermaet (home run), Abbi Iuorio (2-for-4, RBI), Julie Josten (2-for-4, 2 runs), Tracy Welninski (2-for-3, 2 runs) and Molly Muhs (2-for-4, 1 run, 2 RBI) led the offense for Fremd.

Elk Grove 8, Niles North 6: Trailing 8-6, Niles North had runners on first and third with no outs in the top of the seventh when Grens coach Ken Grams called on Kylie Thomsen to take the mound.

The freshman delivered with 3 strikeouts to end the game, giving Elk Grove its third win in four games.

"We've got some confidence in her," Grams said. "And she showed why we do, so that was exciting."

Senior Megan Eul (3-0) struck out five and walked one in 6 innings to notch the win.

Marjorie Sloan's two-out, 3-run homer over the left-center field fence gave Elk Grove a 5-1 lead in the fourth inning.

Other top hitters for the Grens were Becca Maher (2-for-3, walk, RBI), Abbey Sloan (2-for-4) and Alex Masnica (2-for-3, 2 doubles, 2 RBI).

"We've got some confidence in her," Grams said. "And she showed why we do, so that was exciting."

St. Viator 8, Marian Central 0: Harris (2-1) earned the win for the Lions (5-1), who received 2 doubles from Sam Hogan and a 2-run double from Cameron VanValkenburg, who had 3 hits.

"This game was a lot closer than the score indicates" said Viator Coach John Scotillo. "Marian Central is a well coached team and they played right with us until we were able to string four or five hits together in the sixth inning."

Olivia Michalik drove in 2 runs with a bases-loaded single.

Jacobs 7, Barrington 3 (9 inn.): Emily Borg's grand slam home run with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning gave the host Golden Eagles the win.

Barrington (3-1) received an RBI single by Kelly Katis in the fifth inning.

The Fillies scored two more in the sixth on an RBI triple by Rachel Krzysko and an RBI single by Jennifer Inamoto to take a 3-0 advantage.

In the bottom of the seventh, Butler-bound Alyssa Lach blasted a two-out solo homer over the center field fence to tie the game at 3-3.

Fillies pitcher Keenan Dolezal (3-1) struck out 13.

"Jacobs certainly played the best today," said Barrington coach Perry Peterson. "We have only three returning starters and are learning on the fly."

Niles West 7, Wheeling 6: Niles West won the game with a two-out it in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Leading the offense for the Wildcats in their season opener were Nikki Mikosz (2-for-4, 2 runs), Megan Olsen (2-for-4, 3 RBI), Michaela Vasey (1-for-2, RBI) and Karlie Orlando (2-for-3).

Wauconda 9, Palatine 2: Jules Udoni had a double for the visiting Pirates (1-2) in the nonconference game.