Softball: Dick strikes out 16 in Palatine's 2-1 win

Two softball teams expected to compete for titles in their respective Mid-Suburban League divisions met in Thursday's crossover contest in Palatine.

The game lived up to its expectations with the host Pirates edging defending East champion Hersey 2-1 behind junior Rhiann Dick's 3-hitter that included a career-high 16 strikeouts.

"That game was super intense," said Amanda Stanczuk, who had the game-winning RBI in the bottom of the sixth inning. "Rhiann helped us out big-time with her pitching. She did amazing."

Stanczuk's big hit produced the 100th RBI of her career.

"During my at-bat I knew I had a great opportunity to help my team out," the senior said. "The softball gods were helping me out during that last at-bat and I'm so thankful for my teammates cheering and being so supportive throughout the whole game."

Hersey senior and Dayton recruit Sarah Bailitz struck out 12 while tossing a 5-hitter in a game that was scoreless after five innings.

All the runs were scored in the sixth inning.

Hersey got on the board when Makayla Tsagalis singled, went to second on a sacrifice by Chloe Gordon and came home on Brianna Luciano's bloop single to right field.

The Huskies proceeded to loaded the bases with only one out but Dick escaped further damage with a pair of strikeouts.

But the Pirates answered with 2 runs in the bottom of the inning.

Emily Parrott started the winning rally with an infield single. She stole second and Grace Huff (2-for-2, double, run, walk) singled to left to give the Pirates runners at first and third.

With Stanczuk at the plate, Parrott scored on a wild pitch and a heads-up Huff went all the way from first to third.

Stanczuk then delivered the game-winning single, which gave her the 100th RBI of her career.

Dick struck out the side in the seventh and the Pirates (8-1, 2-0) extended their winning streak to eight games while Hersey fell to 7-2 and 0-2.

"Rhiann had a fantastic game today" said Palatine assistant coach Kristen Proffitt. "She was really hitting her spots and was throwing hard. She kept us in the game every inning and allowed us to come away with the win in this pitchers duel. She has done a great job of stepping up into the role of ace pitcher for us this year, and I'm excited to see her keep going with her confidence and poise on the mound."

Huff was happy for Stanczuk.

"I am so happy for Amanda," Huff said. "She is an amazing player and great to play with. She always finds gaps and we are so grateful for her. Rhiann pitched amazing tonight. I love getting to help the team in any way I can. It's awesome having my team behind me supporting me."

Dick raised her record to 6-1.

"Hersey is a very good team," said the Wisconsin-Whitewater recruit. "From the beginning we knew that every pitch counted. I wanted to take one batter at a time because I knew my defense is always there to back me up, especially my first baseman (Stanczuk)."

"I've been so fortunate to play with Rhiann since we were little," Stanczuk said. "And this accomplishment just shows how good of an all-around player she is."

Elk Grove 8, Schaumburg 3: Katie Pendowski (2-for-3, home run, 3 RBI), Olivia Masnica (2-for-3, double, 2 RBI) and Grace Engwall (2-for-4) were multiple hitters for Elk Grove (8-1, 2-0), which got a 6-hitter and 10 strikeouts from junior Lauren Clausen (6-0). Jaimie Klicka added a double for the Grens while Morgan Leach had a pair of RBI. Junior Talia Torosian went 3-for-4 with a home run and 3 runs for Schaumburg (4-7, 1-1). Teammate Sophie Rainey was 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and Tiffani Rudnick doubled. Freshman Morgan Miller (2-4) struck out three for the Saxons.

Maine West 3, Deerfield 2: Maine West (7-7) improved 2-0 in the CSL North, scoring all its runs in the top of fourth inning. Jessica Steingard (4-4) threw a 6-hitter with a season-high 11 strikeouts. Emily Divelbiss (RBI, run), Amanda Byrne (double, run), Gabbi Demma, Maraya Adams (RBI, double, run) and Brianna Torres each had hits for West.

St. Viator 5, Wheeling 3: The host Lions (4-8) were led on offense by Maggie VanValkenburg (2-for-3, double), Nicole Ardito (2-for-3, double) and Mary Naughton (2-for-3). Gianna Saverino threw six innings with 8 strikeouts to gain the win while Cassidy Gibson pitched the final inning, striking out one for the save. Sam Janulis (2-for-3) and Emmie LaCaeyse (2-for-3, double) paced the offense for Wheeling (2-4). LaCaeyse also had 7 strikeouts. The game had a dramatic finish in the top of the seventh. Wheeling had the tying run on base and two outs when LaCaeyse launched a line drive to left that looked like it would clear the fence and tie the game. However, Marissa Zanon (who had a triple in the game) reached over the fence to make the catch, robbing LaCaeyse of a home run and ending the game.

Rolling Meadows 5, Glenbard West 4: Senior Kendra Herring (3-1) struck out three as the winning pitcher for host Rolling Meadows (5-4). Sam Allen (2-for-3, double, RBI, stolen base), Stephanie Thompson (2-for-4, RBI, stolen base) and Kelsey Campbell (double) led the offense.

Libertyville 9, Prospect 0: Visiting Libertyville (9-4) blanked the Knights (2-4), who had 4 hits - one apiece from Emalee Depa, Mary Granskog, Adeline Wantauch and Emma Muehlenbeck.