After a brutal loss to Montini Catholic on Thursday, May 2, the softball team is in need of a turn around win against the Palatine Pirates on Saturday, May 4. Not only do these girls need a win after a 3-14 loss, but they are seeking revenge.
Last year, the Pirates knocked the Ramblers out of the playoffs in the first round. The Ramblers scored first last year but were unsuccessful and gave up the lead in the 3rd inning with a result of 5-8.
The Ramblers got their revenge and beat the Pirates 4-1 in a very fast game. The Ramblers had an explosive 3rd inning scoring all four runs within four at bats. Senior Bella Giannos started off the two out rally with a walk then scored with the help of junior Emilia Bartholomew’s double.
Sophomore Hunter Lewis has been dominating on the mound all year long, and she did not shock anybody with another impressive performance. Lewis earned the win while only surrendering six hits and one run. She struck out eight Pirates and only allowed four walks. Not only did she produce great pitching for the Ramblers but had a single and RBI double at the plate.
After the game second baseman, Bella Giannos said, “Hunter definitely helped us with eight strikeouts, but we were also able to string together several hits to score our four runs.” Bella Giannos has been on varsity for all four years and claims that this year’s team chemistry is “unmatched.”
Going into Saturday’s game the Loyola Ramblers were .500 with a record of 10-10. Coach Wagner said, “For us to succeed in playoffs, our offense has to stay connected and Hunter has to have her best stuff.” After getting eliminated in the first round last year, the Ramblers look to make a deeper run this year.
The Ramblers will face Lincoln Way Central High school on Monday. Lincoln Way Central has an absolute stud pitcher that is committed to Florida State University. This will be a tougher game, but with two great pitchers going head to head with absolute heat should be a close game.
The softball team is a very young team as there are only three seniors on the team. The future for this team has a lot of potential as several girls have been scouted by highly ranked schools. Another key contributor to this team is junior Emilia Bartholomew as she has been the catcher for the last two years and leads the team in batting average and second in home runs.
Last year the Ramblers finished the season with a record of 12-17 and have a very high chance of beating that record this year. They have a tough schedule coming including Benet Academy and Maine South, which are two higher ranked teams in the state. As long as the team can stay healthy and play together they can continue to succeed.
