August 02, 2025
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Softball: Carlee Jo Clark pitching, Kristina Sherwin power key St. Francis' breakthrough win

Spartans beat Glenbard South 3-0 for first sectional title since 2005

By SCOTT SCHMID

St. Francis (27-3-1), which won its first sectional since 2005, advanced to play Lemont in Monday's Rosememont Supersectional. “I am thrilled,” said longtime St. Francis coach Ralph Remus. “I think we’ve won 10 or 11 straight regionals and lost in the sectional final four or five times. The last two years, we beat these guys [Glenbard South] and then lost to Montini [by matching 3-2 scores] in the final. “You can’t take anything for granted, everyone here is good. This is sweet. This is a hard-working group of kids and they deserve it. I’m real proud of them.” (Jon Cunningham)

St. Francis (27-3-1), which won its first sectional since 2005, advanced to play Lemont in Monday's Rosememont Supersectional. “I am thrilled,” said longtime St. Francis coach Ralph Remus. “I think we’ve won 10 or 11 straight regionals and lost in the sectional final four or five times. The last two years, we beat these guys [Glenbard South] and then lost to Montini [by matching 3-2 scores] in the final. “You can’t take anything for granted, everyone here is good. This is sweet. This is a hard-working group of kids and they deserve it. I’m real proud of them.” (Jon Cunningham)

Sherwin provided the big blow of the game, breaking a scoreless tie with a two-run homer on a 3-2 pitch with one out in the fifth inning. Turns out, that wasn’t a bad initial result for a bat that was just recently purchased. “We got a suggestion from another parent,” Sherwin said, “and I tried it out and really liked it. I’ve been in the cage every day this week working, just hoping I’ve have a chance to come up clutch for my team. “We wanted this so bad, especially after the last two years where we lost in this game. It feels awesome, to finally be able to do it. Our coaches are great, they work with us so much. And we really wanted to beat this team, they are such a good team. So much respect to Glenbard South, it was a great game. I’m so proud of both teams.” (Jon Cunningham)

That run support proved to be more than enough for Clark, a senior right-hander who allowed just three hits while striking out six in a complete-game effort. The defense also backed her up in a big way, beginning with a lineout double play started by third baseman Kelly Griffin in the third inning. Kelly Langton followed with a diving catch in left in the fifth and Bridget Rath added a diving play at second base in the sixth. (Jon Cunningham)

“They [the defense] were so good,” Clark said. “We are really coming together on defense. We really wanted it and you could see that on the field with how hard everybody was trying. “This means so much. We are all so excited. We’ve been working for it, us seniors have been working for this for four years.” d (Jon Cunningham)

Glenbard South wrapped up the season with a 24-7 record. The Raiders have now met St. Francis in the playoffs five years in a row, with the Spartans coming out on top on four of those occasions. Jessica Villa had two of her team’s three hits while pitcher Ella Little wrapped up an outstanding high school career by whiffing nine batters. That total allowed the senior to become the all-time leader in strikeouts with 608 for a storied program. (Jon Cunningham)

“Carlee [Clark] is a great pitcher and she hit her spots,” Glenbard South coach Julie Fonda said. “If that ball [liner in the third inning] is a quarter inch higher, it’s a different ballgame. So it’s hard to just look at one pitch in an entire game that was well played by both teams and had two great pitchers. “Daniella pitched tremendously. She had a tremendous season and career.” (Jon Cunningham)

St. Francis second baseman Bridget Rath (8) makes a running catch as center fielder Kristina Sherwin backs her up on June 1. (Jon Cunningham)

Glenbard South's Catherine Karr is out on a close play as St. Francis first baseman Tarin Malloy (10) makes the putout on June 1. (Jon Cunningham)

Tarin Malloy (10) is greeted by St. Francis teammates after scoring on an overthrow against Glenbard South on June 1. (Jon Cunningham)

Glenbard South's Jessica Sadorf (15) smashes the ball foul against St. Francis on June 1. St. Francis catcher is Caroline Caesar. (Jon Cunningham)

Glenbard South shortstop Grace Wallner makes a putout against St. Francis on June 1. (Jon Cunningham)

Glenbard South's Catherine Karr returns safely to first base as St. Francis first baseman Tarin Malloy takes the throw on June 1. (Jon Cunningham)

Glenbard South softball players leave the field in disappointment after losing to St. Francis to end their season on June 1. (Jon Cunningham)

Glenbard South's Jessica Villa beats out a bunt for a single against St. Francis on June 1. (Jon Cunningham)