In high school softball, only 7 innings are played. On May 5, in an incredible shutout, the Girl’s Softball team never reached the 5th inning, as the Eagles took an early victory at the bottom of the 4th.
The Condors started on offense. But their time was cut short by senior Jiselle Hernandez, Infielder and Pitcher, who pitched a perfect first inning. In a strong opening, she threw three strike-outs, all in a row! The morale was high, and the Eagles proved it.
The Eagles came out at the bottom of the first, beginning with senior Ginevra Kellogg. Kellogg set the pace for the team, scoring a home run early on. Later at bat, Hernandez had a powerful hit, scoring herself an RBI, allowing Mia Perez to score at home.
Concluding the first inning, Isabel Dennewitz led her team to 3 more runs, scoring a 3-run home run, bringing Samantha Ricken and Hernandez home with her. By the end of the first, the Eagles were up 5-0.
“We were all pretty amped up and we all just wanted the game to end so we could spend some time with our friends and family as well enjoy all our gifts and food,” senior Bella Alfaro said.
“Very hyped,” described senior Lorelei Monk.
Monk, a Utility player and Pitcher, had a significant impact on the team’s success, playing well both at the mound and at bat. After a productive go at shortstop, she took her turn on the mound after Hernandez.
Monk was listed as a top performer on MaxPreps. She had six strikeouts in the two innings she pitched, while also allowing zero runs. The top performer for hitting was the hitting opener, Kellogg. She had 3 Hits, 2 RBIs, and 1 Home Run. An electric performance from both sides.
The game ended early in a slaughter, the Eagles winning 15-0 over Curie, an amazing, Senior Night win to put their overall record to 16-10.
“My favorite part was getting to see all the seniors’ families get together to celebrate all of us seniors,” said Alfaro.
“My favorite part of Senior Night was playing catch with my parents one last time and sharing many happy memories with my teammates,” said senior Morgan Eccarius.
Marking their final stretch, this game was a very emotional game for the seniors. “I’m gonna miss my teammates, they make the game so much better and we all have so much fun inside the softball field and outside of it, I would’ve missed out on a lot of great friendships if it wasn’t for softball,” described Monk.
“I will miss playing on the field with my sister and playing with all the amazing teammates I’ve made along the way”, said Eccarius. This was one of the last games that she would ever play with her younger sister, Hailey. This game wasn’t just important for them as a team but as a family as well.
The future is bright for these seniors.
“I’ll be attending Lawrence University to play softball and major in Business,” said Alfaro.
Eccarius said, “My plan after high school is to attend Illinois State University for nursing.”
Lastly, Monk said, “I’m committed to Rockford University for an undecided major.”
Seniors Hernandez and Ricken will also continue their athletic careers at the next level. Hernandez plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University to major in nursing. Ricken plans to attend Santa Fe College to major in criminology.
For girls interested in trying out for the softball team, “Don’t let anyone make you lose your love for the game, no one else can tell you what you can or can’t do when you’re putting in the work,” said Monk.
Alfaro shared some advice as well, “I would tell other girls that softball is more than a sport. You get to create so many new memories that you will remember forever and meet so many new people and create bonds that will last a lifetime.”
Lastly, “If you’re interested in playing softball, always tryout and give it a shot. You make so many memories and amazing friendships. These people will always be here for you regardless of who you are,” said Eccarius.
