Softball: North Moves on to Regional Final

Bolingbrook did its best to turn some heads by advancing to the semifinals against Downers Grove North at the Plainfield East Regional in the IHSA 4A playoffs.

But defensive lapses that plagued the team (13-16) for much of its season reared their ugly head again as North scored two runs in the first inning—both on Lady Raider lapses.

North senior Rachel Bradley and sophomore Carolyn Nojiri led off with singles and would later score off illegal and wild pitches to lead 2-0.

In Bolingbrook's third, sophomore Brittany Nagy doubled to left field. Nagy scored later off an RBI triple from senior teammate Natalie Passerelli to cut the deficit to 2-1.

North answered back with two-more runs in the bottom of third after seniors Katie Hunzinger reached base on an error and Sarah Anderson hit a single. 

North added another run after junior Sam Yeager doubled to go up 5-1.

Bolingbrook had chances to rally, but were unable to score again.

North (32-4) pitcher Kendall Ryndek improved to 17-2 on the season, pitching five innings, allowing one run on five hits and striking out six.

"It's always easier to pitch with the lead," Ryndak said. "You can't let it up though. When I pitch, I have to act like its a 0-0 game. We have great chemistry, a great attitude and great team leaders. that's with you need to win."

Bolingbrook faltered on four errors that turned into three North runs. The Lady Raiders also stranded four runners. North struck out 10 Bolingbrook batters.

"You have to give credit to Bolingbrook, who played like they had nothing to lose," said North coach Mark Magro. "We hit line drives later in the game, but we played some small ball early. We took advantage of Bolingbrook when they didn't make the plays. Kendall (Ryndak) pitched pretty well."

The Trojans move on to play the winner of Naperville North and Plainfield East