Softball: Palatine's Stanczuk super at the Ballpark
Playing in the home of the Chicago Bandits, Amanda Stanczuk truly gave a professional performance on Friday.
The Palatine senior went 4-for-4 with a double and RBI as the Pirates' softball team won its fourth straight game with a 6-2 decision over Jacobs in the Leyden Invitational at the Ballpark at Rosemont.
Junior Rhiann Dick had 10 strikeouts while raising her record to 4-1.
"That game was a great team win," Stanczuk said. "Rhiann pitched so well. I'm so happy for her. I just wanted to help her out as much as possible. It's always so fun to play at the Bandits' stadium so I just tried to do my best to help out my teammates. I'm super proud of our team win."
Other multiple hitters for Palatine (4-1) were Mandy Logan (2-for-3, double, 2 RBI) and Anna Selleck (2-for-3, double, 2 RBI).
The Pirates scored 3 runs in the fifth on singles from Kaitlyn Reed, Stanczuk and Dick. Dick's single scored Reed. Logan then doubled in the gap to score Stanczuk and Dick, which was enough for the Pirates to secure the win.
"Rhiann was really hitting her spots today and her 10 strikeouts were key in a close game like this," said Pirates assistant coach Kristen Proffitt. "She kept us in the game until we scored and allowed us to come away with the win."
Elk Grove 6, Glenbard West 0: Elk Grove junior pitcher Lauren Clausen (3-0) fired a 1-hitter with 11 strikeouts and retired the side in order in five of the seven innings. Sophomore Olivia Masnica (2-for-3) belted her first homer of the season to lead off the bottom of the first. Sophomore Morgan Leach also went 2-for-3 while classmate Taylor Schulz and junior Katia Pendowski each had doubles as nine players had hits for the host Grens (4-1).
Rolling Meadows 12, Larkin 0: Sam Allen went 5-for-5 with a home run, double and 3 RBI as the visiting Mustangs improved to 3-2. Stephanie Thompson (3-for-4, 3 doubles), Caroline Slowik (2-for-4, double, RBI), Sara Benner (3-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 doubles), Sam Allen (5-for-5, 3 RBI), Sam Benner (2-for-3) and winning pitcher Elise Kowalski (3-for-4, 3 doubles, RBI) led RM. Kelsey Campbell belted her first varsity home run for the Mustangs and Samantha Elenz added a double.
Wheeling 16, Lake Forest 0: Freshman Julia Konrath made her varsity debut a winning one by tossing a 1-hitter with 8 strikeouts. Nikki Niznik went 4-for-4 with a double and 3 runs while Nikki Ferrao, Emmie LaCaeyse (double), Sophia Stanke (triple), Peyton LaCaeyse and Danni Moser (double) each had 2 hits for the host Wildcats (2-1).
Hersey 6, Niles West 0: Hersey senior Sarah Bailitz fired a 2-hitter with 6 strikeouts and 1 walk as Hersey improved to 4-0 in Skokie. Makayla Tsagalis went 2-for-4 with 2 runs and Renae Curtis also had a hit for the Huskies.
Glenbrook South 5, Prospect 4: Senior Emalee Depa had a double and threw a 4-hitter for the visiting Knights (0-3).
Buffalo Grove 8, New Trier 3: BG junior Megan Fontanetta threw a 4-hitter with 6 strikeouts and freshman Angelina Craig went 3-for-3 with 2 runs and a double to lead the host Bison (2-2). Lexi Imhoff, Elle Christou, Sam Hansen (2 RBI) and Fontanetta also had hits for BG.
Batavia 12, Hoffman Estates 1: Junior Brianna Venegas went 2-for-3 for the visiting Hawks (0-5) and senior Kaelyn Kramp added a hit.
Ridgewood 4, Maine West 2: Amanda Byrne went 2-for-3 with a double to lead the offense for host Maine West (5-4).