Lincoln-Way North Softball Squad Welcomes Laugher Amid All the Nail-Biters

Teams need to win a blowout every now and then to give their nerves a rest for the many close ballgames they’re likely to play.

Lincoln-Way North’s softball team enjoyed a laugher Monday, but the Phoenix probably could use another after nail-biting wins on Tuesday and Thursday.

North had aimed to go 4-0 on the week before Friday's game against Tinley Park was postponed. The Phoenix put themselves in that position by blasting Bloom 10-0 on Monday behind a one-hitter from Kirsten Iversen. Bridget Stroh went 3-for-4 with two doubles and Erin Houlihan was 3-for-5 with three RBI.

The usual excitement of playing another Lincoln-Way school came during Tuesday's meeting with Lincoln-Way Central, and the Phoenix escaped with a 10-9 win. Katie Ploke and Shannon O'Donnell paced the winners with two RBI apiece.

 Yet another offensive hero stepped up to the dish on Thursday as Jill Galich said "Adios!" to a pitcher's offering for a game-winning two-run home run in a 2-0 victory against Lockport. For more on this game, click HERE. 

The Phoenix are 4-2.

Hot Sticks and Rallies for L-W East Baseball

Two slices of bread may help make a great sandwich, but you'd better have something good in between them.

The bread during Lincoln-Way East's week included a pair of blowout victories. The Griffins cruised past Thornridge 20-3 behind home runs from Matt Rosenberger and Zach Jones on Monday. On Wednesday, the Griffins overmatched Thornwood 19-0.

And right smack dab in between those two easy victories was an unforgettable comeback victory against Brother Rice.

Trailing 7-2 to begin the top of the seventh inning, the Griffins rallied for seven runs to shock Brother Rice 9-7.

The rally started with one out and the last batter in the order at the plate, as the Griffins opened the inning with six straight hits and a walk. With the bases loaded, pinch hitter Bryan Contey tied the game with a sacrifice fly that was hit deep enough for all runners to move up a base. Then, with the score knotted at 7-7, Jones sent an 0-2 offering down the left-field line for a two-run double to put the Griffins ahead 9-7.

Jake Busch surrendered one hit with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but nothing more, to pick up the win in relief.

L-W North Soccer Shocks Lyons, Wins 6th Straight

The Lincoln-Way North girls soccer team showed it can battle among the top teams in the state as it beat Lyons Township 2-0 last Saturday. It should be noted that the Lions were without a few of their regulars, but that should not take away from a very impressive win. For more on the game, click HERE.

The Phoenix carried the momentum of Saturday's win into the week and built on their success.

Rita Craven scored twice and had a pair of assists in a 6-0 victory over Joliet Central on Monday. Freshman Brenna Stremlau scored the lone goal in a 1-0 win over Fenwick on Tuesday. And on Thursday, Lexi Cesario scored twice in a 3-1 victory over Stevenson, and goalie Michelle Balcerzak and the rest of the defense has continued to play extremely well. The goal by Stevenson was the first goal scored against the Phoenix in six matches, as the team has outscored opponents 21-1 while winning six straight.

For more on the win against Stevenson, click HERE.

Griffins’ Girls Soccer Drought Ends

After l, Lincoln-Way East coach Brian Papa said his team's 0-5-1 start was one of the program's worst in a long time.

The Griffins had been outscored 14-2 and had lost five straight matches after opening the season with a draw prior to Thursday's matchup against Thornwood.

Apparently, an opportunity to finally beat up on someone was exactly what the Griffins needed as they blasted the Thunderbirds 10-0.

"They're learning as they go, but they're getting baptism by fire," Papa said. "And when you're doing that, it's going to take time to build."

Lincoln-Way East Stymies Providence in Boys Volleyball

Lincoln-Way East (11-2) defeated Providence (6-3) on Tuesday, 25-13, 25-23 in boys volleyball action in New Lenox. For more on the match, click HERE.