Softball: Hersey takes first place in MSL East
Two-time defending Mid-Suburban East softball champ Hersey took a 1½-game lead in the standings on Saturday when it defeated second-place Elk Grove for the second consecutive day.
The 11-8 win for the visiting Huskies moved them to 8-3 in the East while Elk Grove now stands at 6-4.
Home runs by Makayla Tsagalis (2-for-3), Savannah Gazda (2-for-4) and Natalia Kubsik (2-for-4) helped lift the Hersey offense which produced 13 hits.
Other multiple hitters for Hersey were Brianna Luciano (3-for-5), Ria Patel (2-for-5) and Kylie Makuh (2-for-4, 2 2B).
Senior Sarah Bailitz (8-2) earned the win as the Huskies improved to 14-4.
AJ Trausch (2-for-4) and Jaimie Klicka (2-for-3) led the offense for Elk Grove (18-5).
Palatine 10, Hoffman Estates 0 (5 inn): Host Palatine (18-2, 10-0) was led on offense by Grace Huff (3-for-4, 2B, 3B, 4 RBI, 2 runs), Amanda Stanczuk (3-for-3, 4 RBI), Kaitlyn Reed (3-for-3, 3 runs) and Emily Brinckerhoff (2-for-3).
Junior Rhiann Dick (15-1) threw a 2-hitter with 8 strikeouts.
"Rhiann has been doing a phenomenal job for us on the mound," said Pirates assistant coach Kristen Proffitt. "She's been efficient and has balanced strikeouts with reliance on her defense. "
Palatine 16, Buffalo Grove 0 (5 inn): Visiting Palatine (19-2, 11-0), was led on offense by Northwestern recruit Grace Huff, who went 4-for-5 with 2 home runs, a double and 8 RBI.
"Grace is such a great person to have on the team," said assistant coach Kristen Proffitt. "She's an amazing softball player, and her hard work has paid off - but she's an even better person and leader. We lost a lot of great seniors last year, but she has stepped into a leadership position that is helping us to reach this level of success."
Other key hitters for Palatine were Kaitlyn Reed (3-for-4, HR, 2B, 3 RBI) and Emily Parrott (3-for-5, 2 SB, 4 RBI).
Winning pitcher Rhiann Dick (16-2) threw a 3-hitter with 8 strikeouts.
Fremd 20, Wheeling 0 (4 inn): Freshman Gina Dudley (8 strikeouts) fired a four-inning no-hitter for the Vikings in her first varsity decision over the host Wildcats (3-12, 1-9).
Leading the offense with 2 hits apiece were Sophia Crescio, Sydney Kruto (2B), Kalyn McCarthy (3 RBI, 3 runs), Kelsey Brauer (2B), Hailey Hazlett, Cali DiVito (2B, 3 RBI), McKenna Schneider (2-for-2, 3 RBI, 2B) and Elaina Kraus (2B).
"Gina was spectacular," said Fremd coach Josh Techner, who watched the rookie take a perfect game in the into the final inning. "She was fantastic.
"One of the things that has been fun about watching Gina's development is her command of the strike zone, particularly with her fastball. And she had it today. She is very talented."
Maine West 2, Deerfield 1: Maine West (11-9, 6-1) won the CSL North game behind Abby Gawlinski's 5 hitter, 4 strikeouts no walks.
The Warriors took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Gabbi Demma and Rebecca Ragusin scored the runs on RBI singles by Amanda Byrne (2-for-3) and Mariya Adams.
Rolling Meadows 7, Glenbrook North 2: Senior Kendra Herring (6-1) was the winning pitcher for visiting Meadows (13-8) in the nonconference game.
Sara Benner (2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI), Sammy Elenz (2-for-2, HR, 2 RBI), Caroline Slowik (1-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI) and Stephanie Thompson (2-for-3) led the RM offense.
Viator drops two: Marian Catholic won 7-0 and 9-7 in Arlington Heights.
In Game 2, Allison Ardito had 3 hits including a grand slam for the Lions (5-14, 1-7). Teammates Cassidy Gibson and Gianna Saverino also had 3 hits.
Also in the nightcap, Viator outfielder Marissa Zanon took away a home run for the fourth time this spring and the Lions turned their 13th double play.