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18U Illinois Impact wins Summer Slam in Michigan

18U Illinois Impact won the championship in the Michigan Blue Chip Summer Slam PGF Midwest Regional Showcase tournament with an 8-0 overall record.

Head coach Kent Szarabajka said his players performed as a true team all weekend. They beat Fire-Pro out of Wasa, Wisconsin, in the final game 6-1.

"I couldn't be more proud of these players. They played their hearts out. They played for each other. It was such a great team effort."

Szarabajka said each of his athletes played a key role in the tournament. "They played tight defense as a group and we had big hits from everyone in the lineup," he said.

Rikki Vela of Zion-Benton High School and Claire Petrus of Carmel High School took demanding control in the circle through the tournament, with Myra Peterson of Stevenson High School also pitching a great game and playing a strong first base all weekend.

Michaela Faunce of Marian Central High School was tough behind the plate, catching all eight games and threw three runners out stealing, while Annie Poll of Carmel High School was a rock star at third base, Szarabajka said.

Kenzie Rother of Libertyville High School played tough defense in the outfield and stole six bases.

Vera Pflugradt of Stevenson High School also played tough in the outfield and came through with a couple home runs. Trisha Porzycki of Stevenson High School had some very timely hits, a home run and played flawless at shortstop, while Natalie Liewehr of Zion-Benton High School served as an outstanding utility player.

Emma Oriatti of Stevenson High School had a huge offensive weekend and made a diving catch up the middle to save a game.

Other coaches include Kat Trotter, Mitch Dolins and Erik Vela.

Illinois Impact, out of Mundelein, attracts players from the North and Northwest suburbs. Tryouts are coming up in early August for next season's 14U, 16U and 18U teams. Check out the team website at www.illinoisimpact.com for more details.

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