By Matt Le Cren
For the Bugle
www.buglenewspapers.com

Lisle senior forward Alexa Fasone looks back fondly to when she was a freshman on the varsity.

The sense of inclusion she felt had a big impact on her. Now that she’s one of the veterans, Fasone aims to give back.

Lisle soccer players (from left), senior Alexa Fasone, sophomore Emma Fasone and freshman Emma Webb have helped the Lions to a fast start. (Photo by Matt le cren)

“As a freshman, there were a bunch of amazing seniors and juniors I got to use as my role models,” Fasone said. “(After) learning from them, their leadership and soccer skills, I just want to teach that to the incoming players because everyone has so much potential and I just see it as an amazing future for Lisle.”

Indeed, the future looks bright for the Lions, who have nine sophomores and four freshmen on the roster. But that group already is helping the present seem pretty darn good.

With Fasone and fellow seniors McKenzie Weaver and Chloe Pokorny leading the way, Lisle is off to a 6-0-1 start, including 3-0 in the Interstate Eight Conference, following an 8-0 home win over Reed-Custer on April 9 at Wilde Field.

Fasone tallied a hat trick in that game and leads the team with 10 goals and five assists, while Weaver scored twice and now has seven goals and three assists.

So does freshman Emma Webb, who notched a goal and two assists against the Comets. Webb could be the 2019 version of Fasone.

“It’s been really fun to work with her,” Fasone said. “She’s a natural talent and being able to bring that on the field is great.
“I knew from the start (she would be good). She’s a Webb. She’s got classic soccer talent, so she’s got a name to live up to, but she’s doing great so far.”

Webb’s three older brothers – Patrick, J.D. and Connor – all played for Lisle’s boys soccer team. Patrick was a co-captain on the Lions’ Class 1A state championship team in 2010 and the squad that finished second in 2011.

That’s quite a legacy to follow, and making an impact as a freshman is a tall task for anyone, but the 5-foot-9 Webb has proven to be a quick study and a savvy operator on the field.

“She’s going to be a force for four years for our opponents to worry about,” Lisle coach Paul Kohorn said of Webb. “In basketball or soccer, the girl is just an outstanding athlete.”

For Webb, nurture is just as important as nature and she’s been welcomed with open arms by her older teammates.

“It’s just so much fun,” Webb said. “It’s a great opportunity to be given by coach Kohorn and all the players. Just the whole vibe from our whole team is so positive. With Alexa and McKenzie and Chloe, we have such a great senior force this year. They are so peppy and they keep our team always trying our hardest to do the best that we can.

“I’m a freshman, but I feel like I can hang out with anyone I want to because they’re so comforting and positive.”

That comfort level permeates the team, which includes three sets of sisters. Fasone’s sister Emma, a sophomore, scored her first goal of the season against Reed-Custer and also had two assists.
“I’m really proud of her,” Alexa Fasone said. “She’s a sophomore so she’s got much more to come. We’ll see what she does.”

Kohorn is eager to see what the Lions can do, both this season and in years to come. They have seven returning starters from a team that reached the Class 1A sectional finals last year.

“We’re young and I’m pretty excited about this group,” Kohorn said. “We’ve got so many girls who are standing out. I’m still not quite sure what I’ve got here, but I know I’ve got something good, so I’m excited.”

As good as Webb is, she may have to wait to take her turn as the team’s brightest star even after the seniors graduate. Sophomore Tara Kane has scored six goals and two assists despite missing two weeks with an injury and she is expected back this week.

Freshman Carolyn Romo has two goals and four assists and combined with fellow defenders Cassidy Allen, Maddie Hutchinson and Gabrielle Sojka – all sophomores – to hold Reed-Custer without a shot.
It all starts with the leadership of Alexa Fasone, who plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh and become a nurse.

“I’m a little biased because she’s my sister, but she’s a very good leader,” Emma Fasone said. “She helps get everyone going in the beginning and in the end, even if we’re down, she will score.

Webb is grateful to play with someone who sets such a positive tone.

“She’s just a great captain and leader,” Webb said. “Everything she gives to our team; we can’t thank her enough.”

By Adam Poklop
NCC Sports Information

The North Central College softball team capitalized on twelve Blue Angels errors across their doubleheader to dispatch of Mount Mary University (4-15), posting a 7-3 victory in the opener and 9-1 rout in a five-inning nightcap Saturday.

Despite tallying seven runs in their game-one victory, North Central (20-6, 4-0 CCIW) was outhit 8-4 and largely relied on Mount Mary’s slipups for baserunners, who committed six errors and walked seven batters. On a particularly breezy afternoon at Shanower Family Field, the Blue Angels fielders struggled to follow fly balls, misplaying three in the opener alone.

Rachele Belletini started North Central’s onslaught in the first inning, doubling down the left field line to score Emily Miller, who led off the game with a walk. Two batters later, Molly Can hit a blooper to left field that allowed

Belletini to score, pushing the hosts’ lead to 2-0.

The wheels started to fall off for Mount Mary in the second inning when the Cardinals added two more runs despite not getting a single base hit.

With runners on second and third, Jaime Smith hit a high fly ball that got the better of the center fielder, allowing both runners to score.

Mount Mary showed some signs of life in the fourth, tallying three hits and scoring twice to cut North Central’s lead in half. Aislinn Strusz doubled through the middle to bring a pair of Blue Angels across the plate, but the visitors wouldn’t come any closer to tying the game, as North Central stretched their lead by scoring a run in each of the following three innings.

Taylor Clugston showcased her base running prowess in the fourth inning when she scored after taking a walk without the ball being put into play by stealing second and third before taking home on a wild pitch, just barely getting under the tag.

The following inning the Blue Angles walked in a run and in the sixth Samantha Gadomski hit an RBI-triple.

Although Strusz added another RBI for her team in the sixth inning, Mount Mary couldn’t generate the offense they needed to comeback.

Molly Cann finished two-for-four with a run and RBI, while Miller had two runs and a game-high three walks.

Entering the game with five stolen bases on the year, Clugston added four more to her season total.

In the circle for the Cardinals, Gadomski struck out a season-high seven batters to improve to 5-0.

Mount Mary committed six more errors in the nightcap, but this time North Central got the bats going by putting up nine hits in five innings.

Just as she did in the opener, Miller drew a walk to provide her team a leadoff runner, scoring courtesy of a sacrifice bunt from Belletini.

The Cardinals added a run in the second when Clugston knocked an RBI-triple that one-hopped the wall in right field.

Although the Blue Angels got on the board in the third, Gianna Corban (9-3) kept them at bay, tossing a gem in the nightcap. The freshman struck out four of the first six batters she faced and kept Mount Mary hitless until Haley Jacquez reached on a fourth-inning bunt, which proved to be their only hit of the game. Corban would add two more strikeouts before the game’s early end and dropped her ERA to 2.19.

North Central’s bats heated up in the fourth, where they found nearly half of their hits. Smith, Belletini and Breanna Adams all recorded RBIs in the inning to bring North Central’s lead to 6-1. The Cardinals picked up where they left off in the fifth picking up three more hits. Miller brought in two runs with a single, while Belletini found the gap in left-center field to end the game with an RBI-double.

Belletini led all players with three RBIs and has now recorded an RBI in the last six games. Smith, Belletini and Clugston all finished with multiple hits in the contest, while Miller scored a game-high three runs.

Haley Small took the loss for Mount Mary, moving to 2-7 on the season. The right-hander recorded two strikeouts and allowed two earned runs in 4.1 innings.

North Central resumes College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) play on Tuesday, Apr. 15, when they host Carthage College for a doubleheader. First pitch at Shanower Family Field is scheduled for 3 p.m.

By Ryan Ostry
Bugle Reporter
@RyanOstry_BR18
rostry@buglenewspapers.com

The Plainfield South softball team is off to another hot start, but this time, it’s with a new coach in the drivers seat.

Kelly Ash, who coached last year’s Plainfield North Tigers to a second-place finish in the Class 4A state finals, is now at the helm for the Cougars.

Kelly Ash takes over at Plainfield South this season after leading North to a second-place finish in Class 4A a year ago. (Photo by Ryan Ostry)

“At North last year, we had a really good team and it was hard to leave there,” Ash said. “I got a offer I couldn’t refuse at Plainfield South, and I knew what team I was getting coming into this year.”

The Cougars graduated 10 players from last year’s 2018 squad and return three seniors for the 2019 season including Becca Garner, Jailene Carrion and Jordan Albright.

Along with the three veterans, the Cougars also have a heavy dose of six juniors, along with three sophomores and two freshmen.

The Cougars’ recent victory over the Romeoville Spartans 17-5, put them to 8-2 overall, with a 2-0 conference record.

“Our coaches always tell us to jump on the other team quick to make a statement and show who is the better team,” said South shortstop Ashley Coreley.

After starting off the season with a loss to a non-conference team in the York Dukes, the Cougars put together a five-game winning streak.

Following one loss, the Cougars have put together a three-game winning streak together since, with the Spartans being their latest victim.

For Ash, even though his Cougar team is very young, he said that he does see correlations from last years North squad to his new 2019 team.

“There is a lot of speed, both teams have a lot of speed,” Ash said. “With North, they were very aggressive on the base paths and could swing it, this year, we can do both of those things as well.”

Dunning and Coreley who are both captains of the Cougar softball team will be leading the way for the Cougars in the 2019 season.

A third baseman and shortstop, along with being the number three and four hitters in the lineup will be a dangerous combination according to Ash.

“They’re both our captains, they are both very solid defensively and with the bat as well,” Ash said. “They’re both just really solid kids.”

The Joliet Slammers are excited to announce several stadium upgrades that will augment the fan experience in 2019 and beyond. We thank the City of Joliet for their strong support in making these projects happen.

On the concourse level, fans will enjoy updated restroom facilities. In the women’s restrooms, the countertops have been removed and replaced with brand new sinks (the men’s sinks and countertops are scheduled for the same in 2020). In both the men’s and women’s restrooms, a fresh coat of paint has been added and the floors have been updated. Also new in 2019 is a playground set from Rainbow Play Systems of Illinois. Kids will be able to enjoy slides, tunnels, rock walls, a ship’s wheel, tic-tac-toe, and more with the new playground set.

There will also be an Adult Fun Zone located near the third base bar that will include numerous yard games.

(File Photo)

The Suites have undergone several improvements during the offseason as well.

A carpet treatment has the carpets looking brand new.

The suites have also received a fresh coat of paint and the furniture has been updated.

Suites can be rented out on an annual or game by game basis by companies or individuals for a private, climate controlled atmosphere when attending Slammers games.

Following the path of Major League Baseball, the protective netting has been extended to the end of each dugout.

Fan safety is a number one priority and the team wants all fans to feel safe when enjoying a game at Joliet Route 66 Stadium. The main passenger elevator has also received a complete overhaul.

Although fans might recognize the car, everything else on the main elevator has been replaced and updated.

Team majority owner Nick Semaca said, “Along with these upgrades, in conjunction with the expanded promotional calendar already announced, the 2018 Frontier League Champion Joliet Slammers are very excited about the 2019 season and I know our fans will be too.

Advance ticket sales are already ahead of plan so I advise fans to get their tickets now before the best dates sell out.”

Opening Night is May 9 and will feature a celebration of the team’s 2018 Championship, including the presentation of Championship rings to the team. Group tickets, ticket plans, and individual game tickets are on sale now.

For more information, visit jolietslammers.com or call the Box Office at (815) 722-2287.

220 people volunteered at the Woodridge Park District’s annual Community Clean Up the Parks Day on Saturday, April 13. Volunteers cleaned 16 park sites, collected 40

(Photo Submitted)

55-gallon bags of trash and three 35-gallon bags of recyclables.

Thank you to the following people and groups for cleaning up our parks:
1. Bradshaw Boys
2. Britney Parish
3. Christ Family
4. Cub Scout Pack 104
5. Cub Scout Pack 511
6. Girl Scout Troop 50093
7. Girl Scout Troop 55427
8. Girl Scout Troop 55517
9. Girl Scout Troop 55587
10. Girl Scout Troop 55780
11. Goodrich 5 th Grade
12. Hendrickson Group
13. Kosinski Family
14. Nayeli Rios & William Alexander
15. Pack 367 & 169
16. Scout Troop 516
17. Shivnath Avhad
18. Team BeAngel
19. Team Money Tree

Mayor Claar announced at the Tuesday, April 9th Board Meeting that free lids for your recycling bins are now available at the Village’s Public Services Department, 375 W. Briarcliff Road (West Entrance-Lower Level). A maximum of two lids per household will be available at this time. For more information, please contact Public Services at: (630) 226-8800.

The Illinois Senate has unanimously passed legislation championed by State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) that would protect Illinois residents, like those Willowbrook residents impacted by Sterigenics, from the hidden dangers of ethylene oxide. Curran has led the fight against Sterigenics since it was first discovered they were emitting dangerous levels of ethylene oxide into the community. The measures he introduced, and which passed in the Senate, fulfill the pledge he made to residents that the legislature would take action to protect the public’s health, which remains his number one priority.

“This legislation will allow us to create real standards for ethylene oxide levels and it will empower the Illinois EPA to enforce them,” said Curran.

Senate Bill 1854 prohibits any facilities from having any fugitive emissions of ethylene oxide 6 months after it takes effect. In addition, it requires the IEPA to study ethylene oxide levels throughout the state to set a baseline for the levels.

In addition, it would subject facilities to stack testing, which tests emissions at all release points at least once per year. The facilities would also be subject to ambient air testing, at random, four times per year. Any facility that emits Ethylene oxide at a level higher than standards set in the federal Clean Air Act or by the IEPA would be required to immediately cease operations until sufficient changes are made to reduce the emissions below both federal and state standards.

“This legislation would allow regulators to stop ethylene oxide emissions and shut down facilities that release the dangerous gas,” said Curran.

Curran also passed Senate Bill 1852, which in the case of an ethylene oxide leak, requires facilities to notify local government officials and affected property owners within 2500 feet of the leak.

Over 100 Joliet Public Schools District 86 elementary students participated in the Smith
Opportunities for Activities and Recreation (SOAR) swimming program this school year at
the Smith Family YMCA. Fifth grade students from T.E. Culbertson, M.J. Cunningham, Edna
Keith, A.O. Marshall, Isaac Singleton, and Woodland Elementary Schools attended the after-
school program.

(From left to right) Edna Keith Elementary School fifth grade students Victoria
George and Monserrat Rodriguez enjoyed swimming twice a week at the YMCA.

The students and teacher chaperones traveled by bus from school twice a
week to the YMCA for the swimming lessons for eight-week sessions.

During the swim classes, students learned important lessons about water safety and developed a variety of
swimming skills. The free program was open to all fifth grade students at the above
mentioned schools on a first come, first served basis.

The SOAR partnership with District 86
and the Smith Family YMCA began in 2008.

More than 50 free Vanilla Cones were distributed to attendees of the Niles McDonald’s Cone with A Cop event on Monday, April 15^th, 2019.

Owned and Operated by the Bear Family the Niles McDonald’s located on Milwaukee Ave., is honored to take part in community-building events like this, especially as they engage the local police force.

McDonald’s Owner and Operator David Bear was thrilled with the afternoon’s efforts during this event.

 

“We are proud of the role we have maintained in Niles over the years, and we are happy to see the community and the local police department enjoying cones together. It’s just how spring should be.”

Officers Whiteman, Gaba, Hernandez, Zakula, Balsamo, and Rider all attended the event. Officer Whiteman made the cones look like masterpieces while the other officers rated all the cones (the peanut gallery). Officer Gaba jumped behind the counter to assisted Officer Whiteman and made a few cones himself. Local law enforcement and community members were happy to enjoy conversation together.

The Bear Family would like to thank Officer Whiteman, who contributed to the coordination of the Cone with A Cop event. The Bear Family would also like to thank all the officers who came to the event, helped serve vanilla Cones, took pictures with the community members, and met many great people.

This event was hosted by the Bear Family Restaurants and McDonald’s Owner-Operator, David Bear. Like us on Facebook and visit our Website .

For more information about events provided by the Niles McDonald’s, please contact Community Relations Director, Julie Travers at julie.travers@comcast.net.

Joliet Junior College associate head baseball Coach Gregg Braun will become the school’s next athletic director and head baseball coach on May 20.

Braun will take over for Hall of Famer Wayne L. King, Jr., who is retiring this spring after his 33^rd season with JJC.

 “Joliet Junior College and the Athletic Department have become such an important part of my life. I am looking forward to continuing the next chapter of my career with the Wolves. This is an absolute honor and privilege,” Braun said

By Drake Skleba

For the Bugle

After the Southwest Suburban Prairie Conference leaders from Joliet West fell 10-7 to Oswego East on Tuesday afternoon, the result of the game created chaos in the mighty SPC.

Four schools including Joliet West (10-7, 3-1), Oswego East (9-4, 3-1), Oswego (8-6, 3-1) and Plainfield South (14-2, 3-1), all sit atop the SPC standings after four conference games.

On a picture-perfect Tuesday afternoon in Oswego facing Oswego East ace Collin Witzke ( 6 IP, 4R, 4H, 4ER, 5K, 2BB), Joliet West stole the first run of the game.

After one out Tyler Pransky ( 3-for-3, 3R, SB, BB) laid down a bunt single. Mark Garcia, Jr., was plunked by Witzke. Tiger catcher Ty Batusich reached base on a force-out at second, for the second out of the inning. Courtesy runner Dylan Johnstone replaced Batusich on first base.

With Mason Kasprisin at the plate, Johnstone took off for second. Johnstone beat the throw to second for a steal of second. On the throw to second, the fleet-footed Pransky broke for home from third and beat the return throw to the plate, for a steal of home and the first run of the game.

Oswego East answered with a three spot against Joliet West starter Cam Seeman.

In the top of the third, trailing 3-1, the Tigers battled back against Witzke. After one out, Lucas Brady walked. Pransky followed with a rope to right for his second hit of the game. After the-red-hot Garcia Jr. planted a Witzke fastball over the 354 foot sign on the centerfield fence, the Tigers once again led 4-3.

“On the three-run homer in the third, I followed my coaches advice and hit the well but I was surprised to see it go out,” Garcia, Jr. said. “It was my third homer of the year.”

In the bottom of the third, the Wolves went back-to-back on a two-run homer from catcher Andy Petsche and a solo-blast from Witzke. The Wolves scored five times to regain the lead at  8-4.

“This  is a very small ball park,” Garcia, Jr. added. “A couple of fly balls that went out of here really hurt our pitcher.”

The Wolves extended their lead to 10-4 heading into the bottom of the seventh. Witzke was replaced on the mound by senior Connor Gill. Gill retired the first two Tiger batters.

The Tigers would not go easily.

Pransky ripped a single to center. Garcia,Jr. and Batusich walked to load the bases. Mason Kasprisin would drove home Pransky and Garcia with a clutch, two-out, two run single. Casey Chignoli made it 10-7 with another clutch RBI single.  Gill recovered to strike out the last Tiger of the game.

“Great intensity at the plate for us in the seventh,” Pransky said. “I kept it real simple at the plate. Stayed ahead in the count and that was the key to my success today.”

“We were just one swing, from tying this game up,” Joliet West head coach John Karczewski said. “We will not back down to anyone. We didn’t make a play and it cost us four runs and this game. We have to make the fundamental plays to be successful. Another big game tomorrow at Plainfield South.”

The Tigers will open up their crucial early-season SPC series at Plainfield South on Wednesday. The two squads will meet again on Thursday, in Joliet.

SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE CONFERENCE STANDINGS

Through games of April 16

PLAINFIELD SOUTH        14-2      3-1
OSWEGO EAST                 9-4       3-1

JOLIET WEST                    10-7      3-1
OSWEGO                           8-6       3-1

PLAINFIELD EAST            10-5       2-2
PLAINFIELD NORTH          5-7-1   2-2

PLAINFIELD CENTRAL      10-6     1-3
JOLIET CENTRAL                6-8       1-3
MINOOKA                         5-8-1     1-3
ROMOEOVILLE                4-10-1    1-3

By Drake Skleba

For the Bugle

Plainfield South (15-2, 4-1) and Joliet West (10-8, 3-2) entered Wednesday’s Southwest Prairie Conference first-place  showdown tied for first with Oswego East and Oswego. After the Cougars turned away the Tigers 4-1 at Plainfield South, the Cougars were the last-man standing atop the SPC.

Romeoville (5-9-1, 2-3) stunned Oswego East (9-5, 3-2) by a 3-2 score and Minooka (6-8-1, 2-3) blanked Oswego 1-0 on Wednesday. Thus, going into Thursday’s rematch with Joliet West in Joliet, the Cougars are alone in the SPC penthouse.

After Plainfield South senior lefty Austin Richardson (4-1) ended the Tiger first inning with the first of three twin-killings he would induce, the Cougars got on the board.

Cougar sophomore Tyler “Puma” Phommachanhom led off the Cougar first with a single. Senior Griffin Lapp and “Puma” executed a perfect hit-and-run, as Lapp hit behind the running Phommachanhom for a single and a first and third situation. Joliet west senior starting pitcher, Dylan Wolff (3-3), retired the next two Cougars.

Wolff lost control of his release point on the mound and walked Zach Pawlak to load the bases. Wolff plunked Tony Mosher (0-for-1, HBP, SF, 2 RBI),  forcing home Phommachanhom. Ryan Pawlak worked another base on balls, forcing home Lapp and the Cougars had a 2-0 lead.

For Richardson, Wednesday was an example of the old “Perils of Pauline” story for the Cougar lefty. The Tigers loaded the bases in the second inning, with one out.

“Lady Luck” turned on the Tigers, when Mason Kasprisin, who had singled and was on third base, slipped taking his lead off third and was picked off by Richardson, for the second out. Richardson struck out the next Tiger, to get out of the inning.

Richardson is one of the best fielding pitchers in our area and he showcased his defense in the third inning.

The Tigers once again loaded the bases with one out. Tiger senior Mark Garcia Jr. was jammed and hit a ball directly at Richardson. Being in perfect fielding position, Richardson caught the ball and fired to first baseman, Ryan Pawlak, who doubled off the Tiger runner to get out of the inning.

In the fourth, the Tigers loaded the bases again with one out. A strikeout and a roller to Pawlak and Pauline (Richardson) had escaped again.

In the fifth, he induced his third double play, to keep West off the scoreboard.

The Cougars picked up two insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth. Lapp hammered his second home run of the season for a 3-0 Plainfield South lead. Mosher’s sacrifice-fly plated senior Connor Blake, who singled for a 4-0 Cougar lead.

For the 4-0 Lapp on the mound for the Cougars, Griffin has yet to give up a run.

“I was ahead 2-0 on a couple of curve balls and figured I was going to get a fastball,” Lapp said. “I got the pitch I wanted and was able to hit it out of here. I have really had a great start on the mound and I hope to keep it up.”

“We have to be more aggressive at the plate but our defense was outstanding tonight, turning four double-plays,” Mosher said. “On the hit-by-pitch, we actually work on that in practice, in that situation. It worked today. 15-2 and on to 16-2 tomorrow.”

In the sixth, Austin Richardson, who threw three no-hitters in 2018, went back to throwing the baseball the way he threw it last season.

“Austin has struggled all season, throwing his fastball with the seams, “ Plainfield head coach Phil Bodine said. “After the fifth inning, Austin told me he just can’t control the fastball, throwing it that way. I told him scrap it and throw the ball the way he did last season.”

In the sixth, the 2018 “Diminutive lefty with the Big arm” re-appeared.

On three pitches, Richardson retired the first Tiger batter on a pop-foul to Cougar standout- catcher, Justin McGuigan. The final two Tiger batters were struck out on seven pitches.

Richardson allowed six hits, struck-out five and walked three in his six scoreless innings, to improve to 4-1 in 2019.

“I was better tonight and I was really happy with the way, I pitched in the sixth inning,” Richardson said. “My defense was outstanding behind me, and we turned three double-plays.”

As they did last night, in their 10-7 loss at Oswego East, the Tigers never go easily. In the bottom of the seventh against Plainfield South reliever, Brady Shelton, the Tigers went to work. Pinch-hitters, Luke Pirc walked Tyler Anderson singled and leadoff man Lucas Brady,blooped his third hit of the game to load the bases.

Tyler Pransky drove home a run on a force out at second.

For one of the best hitters in our area, Tiger senior Mark Garcia Jr, Wednesday was not his day.

Garcia hit a roller to Cougar second baseman, who fired a strike to shortstop Lapp for the force at second and Lapp’s relay to Pawlak at first completed the old 4-6-3 double play and this one was over.

For the snake-bitten Garcia, it was the third double-play, he hit into and the fourth double-play for the Tigers.

“We gave them the two runs in the first inning on a hit batsman and a walk,” Joliet West coach John Karczewski said. “It was just a freak play in the second when, Mason, slipped and fell down and was picked off with the bases loaded. Again we made mistakes on the bases as we continue to beat ourselves, in these big games. We have to bouce back tomorrow at West and get a split in the series.”

“We were really let off the hook in those first two innings,” Bodine added. “I’m really happy with the way we are playing and we beat a very good team tonight.”

By Matt Le Cren
For the Bugle
www.buglenewspapers.com

Benet senior defender Mary Kate Hansen hates to lose more than she loves to win.

So you can imagine her reaction after the Redwings lost 2-1 to Joliet Catholic in an East Suburban Catholic Conference game on April 8.

“You should have heard me after the game,” Hansen said. “It’s tough to lose, especially in conference.
“It just leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, but it definitely woke us up.”

Indeed, the Redwings have not lost since and on Saturday they knocked off host Naperville Central 2-0 to advance to the Naperville Invitational quarterfinals for the first time. Benet (12-1) will play St. Charles East (12-3) on April 25 at Naperville North.

“This is one of our goals for the team at the beginning of the year because we knew we’ve never gotten out of our group before,” Benet coach Gerard Oconer said. “We knew that we had the kind of team this year that had the potential to do it.
“We just came ready to play today. It was probably the sharpest warm-up we’ve had all season.”

Benet’s defense has never been sharper. The back line of Hansen, Brooke Pullen and Woodridge residents Kate Flynn and Mary Kate Wilhelm and Brooke Pullen has posted nine shutouts and allowed only five goals, none in the four games since the loss to Joliet Catholic.

Naperville Central (7-6-1) was held without a shot – on goal or off.
“We’re really happy that our defense had a shutout today,” said Benet senior Mae Tully, who scored the Redwings’ second goal off an assist from Jaimee Cibulka. “Our goalie (Eva Frantzen) didn’t need to make any saves.
“We were really happy with how our defense held them and on offense we were finally working into the middle and back out and we’re excited with scoring two.”

Flynn had the game-winning goal. It came with 24:16 left in the first half when she deflected in a corner kick from Nicole Burns.

“She took a great corner and I was wide-open on the back post, so I just ran through the ball,” Flynn said. “It was right on the line.
“We’ve been working recently on coming out strong and fast right away, trying to score early. Because we knew if we got a goal in fairly early we would be able to take the game to them.”
While Oconer said the Redwings can’t afford to miss any chances against opponents like St. Charles East, the fact they are the only Class 2A team in the prestigious tournament, which includes 13 of the top 15 teams in the state, speaks volumes.
Benet opened tournament play last Wednesday by beating Oswego 2-0 on goals from Hansen and Miami of Ohio recruit Abby Casmere, a Downers Grove resident who leads the team in scoring with 11 goals.
“We always struggle with the first game of this tournament, so to get a win out of the way right away eased a little bit of the pressure off of us,” Oconer said. “The energy level (today) was really good from the very beginning and I think they were extra-motivated to take advantage of the early opportunity to really show what we can do next week when we start playing the (elite) teams.”

Ryan Ostry
Bugle Reporter
@RyanOstry_BR18
rostry@buglenewspapers.com

After the sudden departure of Plainfield North first-year head boys volleyball coach Tom Gilbert, Matt Slechta has stepped up to lead the team.

Plainfield North Tigers boys volleyball keeps winning even though first year head coach Tom Gilbert had an early departure. (Photo by Ryan Ostry)

“The transition has been pretty easy for me to be honest with you,” Slechta said. “A lot of the seniors have really stepped up and helped me get acclimated to the position.”
Slechta would not comment on Gilbert’s departure — approximately a week before the Downers Grove South Invite, but he said the experience he has gained from coaching the girls team, has really made it a easier transition.“Being the girls coach has helped me prepare for what has come my way,” Slechta said. “I love coaching these kids, and we’ve just had so many people step up on the boys team, so I’ve really enjoyed the challenge.”

The Tigers started off the season has one of the hottest teams in the area, and in the state of Illinois, winning their first 10 matches.

In their first 10 matches, only one time did they lose a set which came on March, 30 against Stagg.

As of late, the Tigers have scuffled a bit, going 3-4 after their first loss of the season to the St. Francis Spartans.

Still, the Tigers (14-4, 2-0) sit at the number 27th ranked spot in the state, with the post-season not starting until the middle of May.

Senior leaders such as Dorian Fiorenza, 6-feet-7 inch Drew Ehlers, Theodor Butler and Nathan Cupps are the recipe for success going forward for the Tigers according to Slechta.

“Those guys have just been through so much together as our senior leaders,” Slechta said. “They’ve really built this program up strong from top to bottom.”
With a total of eight seniors, four juniors, two sophomores no freshman on the roster, the Tigers are looking to get on a hot streak before May rolls around, and their aspirations of competing for a state championship begin.

The University of St. Francis men’s bowling team rounded out its successful 2018-19 campaign with a 1-2 record in bracket play at the United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Team Championships this week.

Prior to the team event getting underway, Robert Kicmal (La Grange, Ill./Lyons) took home a pair of honors from the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association. He earned the NCBCA Rookie of the Year award and honorable mention All-America status.

(Photo Courtesy of USF athletics)

St. Francis sat in 10th place after the first 12 games of qualifying but used a strong second block to claim the No. 7 seed heading into bracket play.

Earlier in the week, USF junior Mike Pruchnik (Lockport, Ill./Lockport) represented the Saints in the Intercollegiate Singles Championships.

He finished 17th out of 24 bowlers in qualifying and fell in the first round of single-elimination bracket play to Logan Williams of Chicagoland rival Robert Morris University Illinois.
The Saints posted top-10 performances in nine of its final 10 events, including a program-best third-place showing at the NAIA Invitational, and qualified for the Intercollegiate Team Championships for the second consecutive year.

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle
www.buglenewspapers.com

In a possible preview of the inaugural East Suburban Catholic Conference Championship Game, to be played on May 11, the South Division leaders from Joliet Catholic squared off with the North Division leaders from Notre Dame Saturday morning in windy Niles.

Unlike the Good Friday wind in Joliet, that was howling in at 35 miles per hour., Saturday’s wind in Niles was blowing straight out at the same.

Aided by a crucial Notre Dame miscue and a few wind-aided hits Joliet Catholic rolled to the 12-3 ESCC crossover victory.

Notre Dame (6-6, 3-2 North) junior Matt Salmonson (3-for-4, HR, RBI) led off the Dons’ first inning with a solo blast to left, for a 1-0 ND lead.

In the top of the second, consecutive Hilltopper singles from clean-up hitter Dan Weustenfeld (3-for-4, 3 RBI), Jared Cushing ( 2-for-5, RBI) and Greg Ziegler, loaded the bases against Dons’ starting pitcher Pat Ambrose.

After one out, Hilltopper right fielder, Mike Gurka, tied the game at 1, with an RBI single. A ground ball off the bat of Hilltopper No. 9 hitter Nate Gehrke (1-for-4), was misplayed by the Dons and two Hilltopper runs scored, for a 3-1 lead.

Leadofff man Nick Iannantone, got a ball up in the wind for an RBI triple. Max Cullen (2-for-5, RBI), would single home Iannantone and the Hill led 5-1.

Weustenfeld and Cushing, would each pick up their second hits of the inning, with a little help from Mr. Wind.

Weustenfeld’s RBI single made it 6-1 Hilltoppers and then Cushing plated two more, with a double for an 8-1 lead.

Seven of the eight Hilltopper runs were unearned against Ambrose.

That’s 19 RBI for Cushing in his last 11 games.

“Everyone was hitting the ball hard and a great win,” Cushing said. “I try to win each pitch, in each individual at bat. Nothing magical about my approach. I have been able to do that and the big hits are falling.”
In the top of the third inning, Iannantone (2-for-5, 3B, HR, 3RBI) launched his fourth round-tripper of the season with DH Tony Fleischauer aboard for a 10-1 Hilltopper lead.
“We were a little rusty having not played since Tuesday, but played well and got the win,” Iannantone said. “It felt good to hit well to get out of a little slump, I had been, as of late. No days off in the ESCC South. Another great team in Nazareth, next.”

Weustenfeld picked up his third RBI of the game with a single to make it 11-3 and the Hillltoppers would pick up another unearned run in the seventh to conclude the scoring.

“Great ESCC win for us,” Weustenfeld said. “Zach Hise, gave up the leadoff homer but came back and pitched a good game. I just stay relaxed at the plate and hunt the fastball. I love the cleanup spot in the lineup where I can relax and drive in big runs for us.”

Joliet Catholic starting and winning pitcher, Zach Hise, improved to 3-0 on the mound, scattering eight hits and striking out eight and not walking a batter.

All nine hitters in the Hilltopper batting order, all contributed to the 15-hit Hilltopper attack.

“We played well at the plate and in the field, for another big win,” Hise said. “I expect more from me on the mound. I wasn’t great but I battled through, to get the win. That 8-run second inning, my teammates gave me, sure helped.”

The ESCC South leaders from Joliet Catholic, will travel to La Grange Park and take on Nazareth (13-2-1, 2-2).

“An overall good win for us today,” Joliet Catholic coach Jared Voss said. “Zach pitched well for us and it’s early for him, coming back from his injury. Having Dan and Jared in the middle of the order, hitting the way they have been, is a big plus for us. Looking forward to the series with Nazareth. It’s always a lot of fun, playing our big rivals.”

After being courted by St. John’s University to fill a position recently vacated by Chris Mullin, Loyola men’s basketball coach Porter Moser is staying put.

The Ramblers’ head man turned down a reported eight-year deal worth nearly $17 million.

Loyola Men’s Basketball vs. Alcorn State

The Benet Academy and Creighton University graduated opted to stay in the Midwest as opposed to heading to New York for a hefty pay raise.

Moser has coached eight seasons with the Ramblers and has won back-to-back conference titles and has three 20-win seasons in five years.

In 2017-18, Moser led Loyola to a school-record 32 wins and their first Final Four appearance since winning the NCAA championship in 1963, along with a No. 7 ranking in the final 2017-18 USA Today Coaches Poll.

“People in business say I’m crazy for passing up opportunities and the money,” Moser said in a statement. “But what they don’t know is the amazing young men I coach and the culture we have built. What they don’t know are the amazing young men who are committed to come to Loyola and wear the Maroon and Gold. What they don’t know are the people and friends that make up the Loyola community. And what they don’t know is what makes me tick.
“So what I do say to Rambler nation is — let’s keep building this culture and making a difference. Let’s keep chasing championships. Let’s do things better than we have ever done before. With that said — I’m all in.”
Moser was named Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year this year and also was selected as the National Association of Basketball Coaches District 16 Coach of the Year.
“We couldn’t be more excited to continue to have Porter Moser lead our men’s basketball program and have said all along that he is a perfect fit at Loyola,” said Loyola Director of Athletics Steve Watson in a statement. “Porter’s accomplishments here, especially over the last five years, speak for themselves, and most importantly, he has achieved success by doing things the right way with high-character student-athletes.”

The Naperville native was a three-year varsity starter for Benet Academy and was named the conference player of the year as a senior. Moser was a key factor in Benet’s state record 102-game home winning streak, was an all-state selection and in 2017 was named to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a player.
At Creighton, Moser was a two-year starter and helped the Bluejays to the 1989 Missouri Valley Conference title and a NCAA Tournament berth.

As part of their Distributive Regeneration Rebate Program, ComEd will be presenting a rebate check to Valley View School District 365U at 9:30 am at Jane Addams Middle School, 905 Lily Cache Ln, Bolingbrook IL on Friday, April 26.

In the summer of 2017, VVSD installed solar panels on five schools and the rebate is for VVSD commitment to solar energy and ComEd’s efforts to encourage the use of solar power.

Members of the VVSD Administration and Board of Education President Mr. Steve Quigley, along with ComEd Vice President of Energy Acqusition Mr. Scott Vogt will be available at the event to answer questions from the media.

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

After Joliet Catholic Academy’s “Christmas in April” performance in La Grange Park on Monday leading to JCA’s 4-3 East Suburban Catholic South Division loss to Nazareth, Hilltopper senior right-hander Mike Gurka was JCA’ s savior on Tuesday.

On Monday, leading the host Roadrunners 3-1 with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, the Hilltoppers handed Nazareth a gift-wrapped 4-3 win.

On Tuesday, at Gillespie Field in Joliet, Gurka pitched and hit the Hilltoppers past the Roadrunners 2-0, and their MLB prospect, senior lefty Mike Prosecky. MLB scouts were in Joliet to see the Roadrunner southpaw, who’s fastball has been clocked at 93 m.p.h.

On the mound, Gurka (4-0) allowed a bad-hop single to Roadrunner left fielder, Teddy Olander, which was only hit he would allow in his six shutout innings. Gurka, fanned nine Roadrunner hitters and walk three.

Leading 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth,  Gurka’s (2-for-3, 2B, RBI) booming RBI double, drove home Hilltopper centerfielder Greg Ziegler, with a huge insurance run and a 2-0 Hilltopper lead.

Hilltopper head coach Jared Voss replaced Gurka with Hilltopper closer Josh Ragusa to start the bottom of the seventh. Gurka, threw 98 pitches through six innings, and with the 105 IHSA maximum pitch rule, Voss selected Ragusa to finish up the game.

Ragusa, put the tying runs on base with one out but dispatch a pair of Roadrunner pinch-hitters, to nail down the save for Gurka.

“We really gave them a victory last night and we really came into this game, with a chip on our shoulder,” Gurka said. ”We really played together as a team. We played great defense and picked up a big win, against a great pitcher, Mike Prosecky and Nazareth.”

“I battled my best friend growing up (Nazareth relief pitcher, Alex Krug), for the big RBI double. We talked about the possibility of facing each other and I was fortunate to get him, this time.”

“I really like to go at hitters,” Gurka added. “I don’t mess around on the mound. Against a great team like Nazareth, you can’t give them any chance.”

The Hilltoppers scored their first in the second inning, when Ziegler walked, stole second base, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on a grounder to second off the bat of the red-hot DH Tony Fleischauer (1-for-3, 2B RBI).

“Crazy ending to last night’s game and we knew we had to bounce back today,” Fleischauer said. “Facing Prosecky, who brings out MLB scouts, we knew we had to battle a great pitcher.

On the big RBI ground out in the first inning, I was looking for a fastball that I could hit to the right side and drive home, the very important first run of the game.”

Although the Voyager Media Publications Week 4 and 5 Player of the Week, senior shortstop Jared Cushing, had a rare 0-for-3 day at the plate, Cushing continued to shine on the field.

Making four difficult plays at short look easy, Cushing and the Hilltoppers were flawless in the field behind Gurka and Ragusa.

“We knew we had to bounce back from last night’s loss, “Cushing said. “Mike Gurka was outstanding and we all played great defense behind him. Big win to get us back in first place in the ESCC South.”

With the win, JCA (17-5, 5-2) once again claims sole possession of first place in the rugged ESCC South. The Hilltoppers have a ½ game lead over Marist (9-5, 4-2) and Marian Catholic (12-8, 4-2), after today’s action. Nazareth falls to 14-3-1 overall and 3-3 in the ESCC South.

“Mike had  a great game tonight but it was great to see the entire team, bounce back from that tough loss last night,” Voss said. “That was a long, tough, bus ride home last night. Tony is a veteran player for us and knew what to do to get us the important run of the game. It was also great to see Mike get the big double, to give us the 2-0 lead.”

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC STANDINGS
through games of April 23
JOLIET CATHOLIC ACADEMY   17-5     5-2
MARIST                                       10-5      4-2
MARIAN CATHOLIC                   13-8      4-2
NAZARETH  ACADEMY             14-3      3-3
BENET ACADEMY                       9-11     2-4

By Drake Skleba

For the Bugle

After committing seven errors and handing Lincoln-Way East (16-3, 3-1) 10 unearned runs of the 15 Griffin runs in their 15-7 Southwest Suburban Blue showdown win on Saturday, the Porter defense had problems again on Monday.

At historic Ed Flink Field, the Porters committed four more errors and gave the Griffins four more unearned runs in the Griffins’ 7-3 victory.

Facing Lincoln-Way East ace lefty, Cole KIrschsieper (5-0), the Porters quickly fell behind 6-0 with four of the six runs being unearned as the game headed to the bottom of the fifth.

Mother Nature, as she has all spring, delayed the game for 75 minutes with a lightning and rain display.

Kerchsieper allowed just two Porter hits in his four scoreless innings of work, before the weather delay. The Porters went to work against the Griffin bullpen in the bottom of the fifth.

After two outs, Porter leadoff man Nolan Weis, singled in sophomore Ryan Moerman, walked and Jon Weis drove brother Nolan and Moerman in, with a clutch two-out two run double.

Lincoln-Way East added on a run in the top of the sixth, to extend their lead to 7-2. Collin Woulfe, who had a 3-for-4 night for the Porters, singled and scored the final run for the Porters, in the 7-3 defeat.

“Lincoln-Way East is one of the best baseball programs in the state, “ Lockport head coach Andy Satunas said. “To give them so many extra opportunities to score runs, was our downfall.”

“We will regroup and come out on Friday and hope to rebound, against a very good Homewood-Flossmoor team.”