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Chicago Tribune
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Hiroshy Wong chips in as Indiana State recruit Owen Roberts does it all for Waubonsie Valley. ‘Anything to help.'
Welcome to the club, dude. That's what Waubonsie Valley's Hiroshy Wong, approached Thursday by a reporter for a postgame interview, seemed to be thinking as he flashed a knowing smile when the first question focused on the performance of Indiana State-bound pitcher Owen Roberts. Of course it was. Wong, a senior third baseman and the team's leading hitter Thursday, was once again up close to to witness another standout performance by the senior ace and hard-throwing right-hander. 'He's very confident in the first place,' said Wong, who was brought up to the varsity for the final four games of his freshman season and has started since his sophomore year. 'He knows what he has to do and he also knows, as a defense, we're going to make plays for him to make it easy. 'Owen is always very good. He's always throwing strikes and trying to get the quick innings.' That held true again Thursday night as 10th seeded Waubonsie Valley cruised to a 4-1 upset of the second-seeded hosts Porters in a Class 4A Lockport Sectional semifinal at Ed Flink Field. The pitching and hitting of Roberts led the way for the Warriors (22-12), who advanced to play at 11 a.m. Saturday against Downers Grove North (30-7) in a rematch of last year's sectional final, won 3-2 by the Trojans on a walk-off home run in the seventh. Roberts, meanwhile, carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning and handcuffed the Porters (24-14) on two hits with seven strikeouts and two walks. He hit one batter. 'We give him the ball at the beginning and tell him we'll get it back at the end of the game,' Waubonsie coach Bryan Acevedo said. 'That's what he's done for two years now. 'He's been really special for us. Any time he's on the mound, we've got an opportunity to win.' Roberts (8-2), who went 10-0 last season, also is the team's No. 2 hitter. He drew a walk and singled and scored twice as the Warriors took a 3-0 lead after three innings. Wong, who bats third and leads the team with a .390 average, was in the thick of those rallies, advancing Roberts with two of his three singles. In the seventh, Roberts gave himself some insurance with his second home run of the season, clearing the left field fence and doinking the ball off the scoreboard beyond it. 'That felt good to get it over the fence,' Roberts said. 'We came out a little slow this season, but we're starting to find our identity. Our pitching has been great all year. 'We're scrapping a few runs together and the defense has been amazing.' That was evident from the start, when junior left fielder Aidan Kornak ranged far to his right and made a sliding catch on the first Lockport hitter. Wong went far to his left, charging a slow grounder past the mound in the sixth and throwing the batter out, ending up on the right side of the infield. 'I have pretty good range,' Wong said. 'I've actually been moving around. I play second and third base and also play in the outfield, too. Anything to help my team. 'I'm mainly a utility guy. I play everything.' He also upped his career hit total to 125, five short of the program record of 130 held by former major leaguer Michael Bowden. Lockport coach Scott Malinowski said Roberts, who needed only 90 pitches, was as good as his team has seen. 'He throws hard, but what separates him from most hard throwers at this level is he fills up the strike zone,' Mallinowski said. 'There were a lot of short at-bats and short innings. It's why he was easily able to go a complete game.' On top of that, Acevedo pointed out that the Warriors have come around, going 9-1 in their last 10 games after being 13-11 when seeding took place. 'All the pressure has been on the other teams since we're the 10th seed,' Wong said. 'We were looking forward to getting a rematch with Downers Grove. We're playing good baseball now. 'We just started doing all the little things right and aren't making those little mistakes.'
Chicago Tribune
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Starting at quarterback. Hitting first home run. Lockport's Brendan Mecher checks off another box. ‘It was unreal.'
From a fall spent playing quarterback and wide receiver for Lockport's football team to this spring as an infielder in baseball, junior Brendan Mecher has experienced many exciting moments playing sports this school year for the Porters. The one that happened Friday night will go at — or at least near — the top of his list. He hit the first home run of his high school career. 'It was unreal,' Mecher said. 'There are only a certain amount of things that give you that type of feeling and that's one of them. It was a great feeling.' Mecher contributed to a dominant performance for host Lockport, which earned an 8-3 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Lincoln-Way East at Flink Field. Nick Moerman also homered, going 2-for-2 with two runs for the Porters (20-9, 9-5). Milwaukee School of Engineering recruit Bryce Flood and Caden Russell each provided a two-run single. Trace Schaaf threw a complete game for the Porters, striking out six and allowing three earned runs on four hits and five walks to pick up the victory on the mound. 'At the end there, I was just trying to throw some strikes,' Schaaf said. 'I trust my defense and I know they're going to make plays behind me.' Wisconsin-Oshkosh commit MJ Schley had an RBI and a run for Lincoln-Way East (21-9, 10-4). Rocco Triolo added an RBI, while Charlie Cosich and Cooper Johnson each singled and scored. Mecher, meanwhile, mashed his home run to center field on the first pitch of the bottom of the fourth inning, giving the Porters a 7-2 lead. 'I was thinking if I got a fastball I'd be ready for it and jump on it and that's what I got,' he said. 'I got under it a little bit, but I think the wind helped me on that one.' The wind was certainly howling — and dirty, as a dust storm rolled through during the game, making for some unusual conditions as any pop-up became an adventure. Mecher dealt with a couple of those from his spot at second base. 'It was kind of weird, but there's nothing we're not ready to play in,' Mecher said. 'It doesn't really affect us but it was a little tricky and a little weird.' Mecher, though, feels ready for anything. In the fall, he started the season as a receiver and the backup quarterback, but he took over as the starting quarterback after an injury. 'There are a lot of mental things that go into playing quarterback and I think it helps me be prepared for any type of situation that's thrown at me athletic-wise,' Mecher said. 'I think it really builds strong tools to use throughout my athletic career.' Lockport coach Scott Malinowski certainly agreed with that assessment. 'We love the multisport athletes and especially football, and especially a quarterback who's used to the spotlight and high-pressure situations and big games,' Malinowski said. 'Brendan's definitely used to big situations. 'We have seven multisport guys, and we really think they are bringing a lot to our team this year.' At the same time, Schaaf pushed through a long outing to finish the complete game, ending it at exactly 100 pitches. Lockport pitching coach Ralph Mispagel had faith in Schaaf to close things out after he gave up a run in the seventh. 'I asked him there in the seventh inning if he could get us two more outs, and with the look in his eye, there was no way he was coming out of the game,' Mispagel said. Schaaf displayed his toughness, an attribute that is also evident when you watch Mecher. Mecher has seen the benefits of being a multisport athlete. 'I'm always busy and it creates good habits,' he said. 'I'm always looking to create new, better habits that can help me improve myself.'
Chicago Tribune
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Always reliable on defense, Lockport's Rheanna Slavicek reacts to dust and wind with big catch. ‘Pretty tricky.'
Senior left fielder Rheanna Slavicek is pretty reliable on defense for Lockport. Just ask her teammate, Colgate-bound senior pitcher Kelcie McGraw. 'Anything hit to left field, I know it's going to get caught,' McGraw said of Slavicek. But there was one 'uh-oh' moment Friday during host Lockport's 4-1 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Lincoln-Way West. Even Slavicek wasn't 100% sure she could catch up to an important fly ball. A dust storm was on the horizon, creating an scene. The wind and dust already had been prevalent throughout the game, but it was getting more intense in the seventh inning. With two on and two out, potential tying run Reese Cusack lofted a fly ball to left for the Warriors. Let the fun begin. 'It was very hard to gauge,' Slavicek said. 'I thought it was going over one way and then it tailed in another way. It was pretty tricky.' Still, she nabbed it and the Porters celebrated. Slavicek, an Olivet Nazarene recruit, closed the game with a tricky catch and opened things up with a home run before adding two singles to lead Lockport (21-9, 10-4). McGraw (12-6) pitched the win and struck out six in 6 1/3 innings, bringing her up to 190 for the season. Taylor Lane boosted her team-high batting average to .443 with two hits and two RBIs. The one bad thing that did happen for the Porters came in the fifth inning when senior shortstop Mikayla Cvitanovich left the game after getting hit in the face on a bad hop. Slavicek, meanwhile, hasn't made a habit of hitting a home run to lead off things. But she did accomplish that feat one other time this spring. 'The first game of the season I hit a solo home run,' she said, 'My strength as a leadoff hitter is to just make contact with the ball. I usually try to put the ball through the holes. 'My job is to get on base, so I try to do that.' Kaylea Armstrong came through with a pair of hits for Lincoln-Way West (19-11, 7-8). Abby Brueggmann drove in the Warriors' lone run. Lockport coach Marissa Chovanec, however, isn't surprised by Slavick. She has been watching her play like that for four years after promoting Slavicek to the varsity during her freshman season. 'She provides a lot of energy at the leadoff spot,' Chovanec said. 'She sparks the lineup. 'Four years ago, we had two freshman pitchers and we brought her up. We were rebuilding that year and we had some holes in the outfield, and she came in and did a really good job for us.' Friday's win was Lockport's seventh in a row since an 8-2 loss on May 1 to Lincoln-Way Central. The Porters have gone 13-1 since April 15, when they had a record of 8-8. 'I just tried to build our team up,' Slavicek said about the team's early struggles. 'I was telling all the players, 'You got this.' I was trying to be a leader and keep their confidence up.' Her leadership won't be ending when she leaves Lockport. Slavicek plans to major in elementary education with the end goal of teaching third grade. 'I'm so excited,' she said. 'During middle school, I was asked to volunteer to teach players about softball and I really liked the girls. 'Since sophomore year, I've been really wanting to connect with kids. I've loved them ever since I was a little girl. Since then, I've really wanted to be a teacher.' Why third grade? Thank Reed School third-grade teacher Jinger Billquist for that. 'She inspired me,' Slavicek said of Billquist. 'I liked her class, and I want to show passion for those kids like she showed for us'
Chicago Tribune
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Gianna Cisneros gets first varsity goal for Lockport. She knows about pressure. But? ‘It's also a big opportunity.'
Freshman defender Gianna Cisneros already has a ton of weight on her shoulders in the early stages of her Lockport career. She's starting on the back line for a team with high expectations, part of an overhauled defense that is replacing a veteran group that only allowed 10 goals all of last season. 'It's a lot of pressure,' Cisneros said. 'But it's also a big opportunity that I'm grateful to have. Playing more experienced and older girls who have a lot of talent is a big challenge, but I try to handle it as best as I can.' Cisneros has more than held her own. And Thursday night will be unforgettable for her. She scored her first high school goal to spark the visiting Porters to a 4-1 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Andrew in Tinley Park. Marquette recruit Ava Kozak scored twice for Lockport (10-3, 3-0). Hayden Spodarek added a goal and an assist, while Lily Nonte chipped in an assist and Olivia Luecke made four saves. Emily Crotty scored for Andrew (9-4-2, 2-2). Annabel Walsh finished with seven saves. Cisneros' big moment came just over six minutes into the game when Spodarek took a corner kick and sent a well-placed cross toward the far post. Cisneros crashed in and ripped a hard shot into the back of the net. 'It was very exciting and exhilarating, and I feel like it brought out a lot in me,' Cisneros said. 'After that, it was all very smooth play, I think. 'I love doing corners because I love going for the ball. Those are my chances, and I try to bury them as much as I can, any chance I get.' Cisneros' early goal gave the Porters some much-needed momentum after Saturday's 7-0 loss to Naperville Central. Cisneros did not play in that game as she was away on a family Easter trip. The lopsided defeat was humbling and stunning for Lockport but certainly served as a motivator. 'We were very fired up,' Kozak said. 'We definitely came with the energy. We've been working hard in practice and we just delivered (Thursday). '(Cisneros') goal was so big for us. That was just a great finish. She had so much power on that shot.' Of course, Cisneros' typical contributions come on the other end of the field where she has stepped up as a lockdown defender, according to coach Todd Elkei. 'I think it's just her athleticism and her confidence in herself,' Elkei said. 'She's a quiet kid, but she just finds a way to make a statement on the field. It doesn't matter who she's going against, she goes 110 miles per hour. 'When you get quality players, you use them, and she's one of them.' Kozak has certainly been impressed by Cisneros. 'She's insane,' Kozak said. 'She's relentless. She literally goes in for any ball. We need her out there. She's a very key player for us and we're lucky to have her.' Kozak scored twice in the first half as the Porters stretched their lead to 3-0, including a dazzling goal in the 33rd minute when she juked a defender and ripped a left-footed, 20-yard strike inside the far post. 'Ava's Ava,' Elkei said. 'That left-footed strike she scored on was just pure genius. It was quality.' And Cisneros has delivered quality play beyond her years. She hasn't always been a defender, but she's certainly found her home in the back for Lockport. 'I've played all over the place, including goalie from about when I was 8 to 12 years old because my team didn't really have a goalie,' Cisneros said. 'But defense is fun. 'It's very exciting when you make a big block or stop someone from having a chance to score. It's a big adrenaline rush.'
Chicago Tribune
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Known for defense, Lockport's Hayden Spodarek responds to miscue by scoring a goal. ‘Had to make up for that.'
Hayden Spodarek tried several sports when she was younger, including softball, which her older sister, Morgan, starred in at Lockport and now plays at McKendree. But soccer was the only thing that stuck for Hayden, a junior defender for the Porters. 'Soccer has always been my sport,' Spodarek said. 'Everything else was boring. My parents tried everything. Softball was boring. Gymnastics was boring. Cheerleading was boring. 'In this, you're constantly moving around and doing something.' That outlook makes sense when you see how active Spodarek constantly is on the soccer field. A steady force on defense, Spodarek also got in on the scoring Tuesday. Her first goal of the season sparked Lockport to a 2-1 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Lincoln-Way East. Wisconsin-Platteville recruit Raven Rogers also scored for the host Porters (6-2, 2-0). Krista Zuromskas had two assists, while Olivia Luecke made six saves. Missouri State commit Ellie Feigl picked up the goal for Lincoln-Way East (5-2, 0-1). TCU recruit Camden Cosich provided the assist, while Danica Greenawalt made four saves. Feigl scored just over four minutes into the game to give the Griffins a quick 1-0 lead. Spodarek felt partially responsible for the defensive lapse and was inspired to get redemption. 'I think I was just out of position and I didn't expect our other center back to get beat,' Spodarek said. 'I should have been ready to get over there and help her. I had to make up for that.' Spodarek did just that a little more than three minutes later, taking a pass from Zuromskas and slipping a shot from 15 yards into the net. 'It's super exciting,' she said. 'I don't get many chances to score, so when I do, it's great. I had one goal last year on a free kick and now this one. 'I think it really got us going and boosted our confidence and led to us winning.' Spodarek then went back to doing her regular job — dominating on defense. 'Hayden's like a brick wall,' Rogers said. 'I'm really glad we have her in the back. She's very reliable.' Spodarek was a valuable reserve on last season's team that went 24-1. The Porters won their first 24 games before losing in a sectional semifinal against Plainfield North. 'Last year, every one of those girls was so good,' Spodarek said. 'It was great playing with them. I learned a lot and I grew a lot as a player from playing with them. 'I feel like I've stepped up a lot since last year. Getting to start and play full games, I think I've been able to help our team a lot.' Lockport coach Todd Elkei certainly agrees. He has seen Spodarek blossom into one of the team's most dependable players. 'She was our first player off the bench last year and just the growth she's had has been exciting,' Elkei said. 'She's stood out in every game for us this year. To see her score was nice. 'She's our rock with an attitude in the back.' Rogers scored the game-winning goal just moments after Luecke made a huge save on the other end, denying a shot from Adelyn Thomas. The Porters countered and Rogers rolled in a 15-yard shot with 30:55 to go. 'I honestly underestimated it,' Rogers said of her shot. 'But I was really happy that it went in.' The Porters held on from there. 'It was a gritty win,' Elkei said. 'A blue-collar win, I think. We battled and battled and found a way.' Spodarek embodies that tenacious attitude. 'Once she keeps building that confidence, the sky's the limit for her,' Elkei said of Spodarek. 'She's got another year ahead of her. 'She's got a bright future.'
