SOFTBALL: Dittmar sisters helping power Warriors

Sterling’s No. 9 hitter in the batting order is a sophomore who, when she gets on base, can rely on family to get her around the bases.

After Katie Dittmar comes to the plate, the lineup turns over for Sterling’s leadoff hitter, Riley Dittmar.

For the Dittmar sisters, after the 2020 season was called off, 2021 became their one shot to play together in Golden Warriors uniforms before Riley begins her college career at Eastern Illinois.

“I was totally thrilled this season to get to play with Katie,” Riley said. “It was hard that we got our season canceled last year, but the fact that we got the chance this year and we’re going to state together means a lot.”

“Riley’s my best friend and we do everything together,” Katie said. “It’s been so fun being around her all the time.”

The younger sister has made her mark in the postseason, with a home run in the sectional final win over Kaneland, her first career home run. All season she has been a defensive mainstay in the Sterling outfield.

In the regional final win over LaSalle-Peru, Katie started one rally by being hit by a pitch, then getting into scoring position when Riley followed with a single.

“I think she’s a really well-rounded player,” Riley said. “She works really hard in the outfield and also is a really good baserunner, so having her on base coming around to the top of the lineup always helps our team a lot.”

Katie gets to hone her skills in her first season of varsity softball knowing that if she gets on, the next batter up is hitting .376 with 14 RBIs.

“I know that if I get on, there’s no doubt I’m going to move,” Katie said. “I’m really confident in Riley at the plate, so if I’m on, I know I’m going to be moving and that she’s going to hit it somewhere just to advance me.”

In Riley, Katie not only sees a sister and a teammate, but a role model.

“She’s always telling me ‘You’re fine. You’ll get another at bat,’” Katie said. “She always works hard and I really look up to her.”

“She has matured so much over the past few years,” Riley said. “I think she’s starting to work really well with some of the older girls. I’m really proud of her.”

At Sterling in recent years, sisters have been a big part of the Warriors’ success. Before the Dittmars there were Gretchen and Grace Gould, Yacqueline and Amayia Hernandez, and Gabi and Nadia Trujillo. Katie and Riley Dittmar, after a one-year wait, get to be part of that tradition as well.

“It’s so fun we get to play together,” Riley said. “We spend so much time together as well at home, but it’s even better when we get to do it playing the sport we love. It’s a really good opportunity to spend some time together before I go off to college.”