Glenbard West learns from softball losses against DGS, Glenbard South wins convincingly vs. Morton

GLEN ELLYN – Facing Downers Grove South has been a challenge for every softball team this spring.

Glenbard West was the latest victim in a 12-1, 14-0 doubleheader sweep Saturday, but Hilltoppers’ coach Mary McGrane hopes facing the Mustangs (22-0) was a good learning experience.

“I love playing Downers Grove South because I respect Rondo [Mustangs coach Ron Havelka] and his program,” McGrane said. “It shows our girls, especially the ones new to varsity, what we strive for and where we want to be.”

A six-run first inning for DGS essentially decided the first game. Offensively for Glenbard West (7-13), Rachel Terwilliger and Shelley Warmolts were each 1 for 2. The Hilltoppers’ run came in the third inning when Amanda Posegay was hit by a pitch and later scored on an error.

In the second game, Downers South scored three runs in the first inning and five in the second to pull away.

“I thought [pitcher] Caylin Potter settled in eventually [in the first game],” McGrath said. “On the mound with Caylin and two freshmen it’s about getting them the exposure and getting them to understand the purpose of hitting their spots and changing speeds.

“I don’t want them beating themselves up over this. That’s a great hitting team.”

The Mustangs also threw future Division I college pitchers in each game, making for a doubly challenging day.

Downers South sophomore Payton Buresch pitched a perfect game in the second game, which ended on a nice sliding catch in center field off sophomore Katherine Porter’s low line drive. Porter also flew out deep to right field earlier in the game.

“I expect it from Katherine, but it’s nice to see her getting good, quality at-bats,” McGrane said. “And Caylin’s really stepped it up. Rachel at shortstop and my catcher [Warmolts] are our only two returning varsity starters. They’ve played well.”

A roster of four freshmen or sophomores and just three seniors bodes well for the future, and the Hilltoppers look to finish 2015 strong.

“I’m hoping we can find some consistency from here on out,” McGrane said. “We’ve been very up and down. And the girls have the potential. It’s getting them to believe it. Believe in yourselves and stay committed to each other. Then good things can happen.”

Glenbard South

The Raiders picked up a 3-1 win against Sandburg on Monday behind the pitching combo of Taylor Carli and Ashley Cohen. Carli allowed no hits in three frames while Cohen gave up four hits in four innings.

Payton Carli topped the offense with a 3-for-3 performance at the plate.

On Saturday, the squad beat Morton 15-6 as Mina Marra went 4 for 4 with an RBI. Tricia Weigand tallied three hits, and Mady Carli, Payton Carli and Cohen had two hits apiece. Taylor Carli threw 4 1/3 innings of scoreless ball, allowing no hits while striking out six.