Softball: North Advances to Regional Final

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

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

Downers 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 inning, sophomore Brittany Nagy doubled to left field and then scored on an RBI triple from senior teammate Natalie Passerelli to cut the deficit to 2-1.

The Trojans answered with two more runs in the bottom of third after seniors Katie Hunzinger reached base on an error and Sarah Anderson singled. 

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

Bolingbrook had chances but were unable to score again.

Downers 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 Trojans runs. The Lady Raiders also stranded four runners. Downers North struck out 10 Bolingbrook batters.

"You have to give credit to Bolingbrook, who played like they had nothing to lose," said Trojans 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."

Downers North moves on to play the winner of Naperville North and Plainfield East in the regional final.