Latest news with #SouthWestSuburbanConference
Chicago Tribune
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Homewood-Flossmoor wears pink socks to honor Bryan Ahrendt's mom, Dena, who has breast cancer. ‘Our No. 1 fan.'
Homewood-Flossmoor's Bryan Ahrendt loves playing volleyball to get his mind off of real life. The senior libero's mother, Dena, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December. She has gone through three rounds of chemotherapy, with another six on the docket. 'Volleyball has definitely been a way to not focus on the negative,' Bryan said. 'Especially when I go home and I see her the way she is. It's not a cool thing. It's not a good thing. 'It's definitely a good thing to focus on volleyball and have fun with the guys.' The Vikings, who honored Dena by wearing pink socks Tuesday night, went out and beat T.F. United 25-19, 25-15 in the Rich Township Regional semifinals in Richton Park. 'She's at almost every game and is our No. 1 fan,' H-F coach Mark Ciesielski said. Ahrendt, a Carthage recruit, totaled six digs Tuesday to lead H-F (28-8), while Ahmad Powell had eight kills and Surendran Heyward added seven. Caleb Madden and Will Adams each had four. The Vikings, who take on Lincoln-Way Central (24-13) at 6 p.m. Thursday in the championship match, are seeking their third regional title since 1994. Lincoln-Way Central (24-13) topped Marian Catholic 25-22, 25-15. Logan Baechtold, Dylan Brannigan and Joey Vellenga put down six kills apiece. David Barlow came through with eight kills and Carter Knueppel added seven for Marian (9-22). After Tuesday's win, H-F brought in Dena for a celebratory team photo. 'I'm glad that we were able to come out here and support her and make sure she knows she is appreciated by the Viking program,' Powell said. Few around the team knew about the situation until this week. 'I didn't want to make it public,' Bryan said. 'It was something we wanted to handle ourselves and not tell everybody.' But Bryan said his aunt proposed that the Vikings should do something for Dena, and they came up with the idea of wearing pink socks. 'It made a big impact,' Bryan said. 'She was bawling on the way here. She really appreciated it. 'She's an emotional person, but this really touched her because she just cut off all of her hair because of chemo.' While he's on the court, Bryan has proven to be valuable to the Vikings. 'Bryan is our quarterback and the leader on the court,' Ciesielski said. 'After every game, he's hoarse. He's screaming and he's letting everybody know where everyone should be. 'He's the glue that keeps us together on the court.' The Vikings, who beat Lincoln-Way Central 25-22, 25-16 on May 8 at home in the SouthWest Suburban Conference, opened the regular season with a 13-match winning streak. Since May 13, they're on a five-match streak. Powell, who is going to Ohio State for academics, missed a month of the season. Now that he's back, H-F is rolling again. He was all-state last season but decided to concentrate on an engineering degree. 'It wasn't tough to decide to quit volleyball because I knew that I want to get a good education,' Powell said. 'Ohio State has everything that I need. 'I won't have volleyball, but that's cool. I can always go to the games or join club volleyball.' Powell, however, said he will miss playing alongside Ahrendt. 'Bryan is one of the most passionate people I know, on and off the court,' Powell said. 'He always has a smile for his teammates. He always gets on us when we're doing bad. 'Sometimes, he's the bad cop and I'm the good cop, and together we make a good team.' As that team, Ciesielaski confirmed he was glad Dena could be honored before the season was over. 'It's a neat thing,' he said. 'We just want her to know that we support her and she's a part of our family and she's not fighting alone.'
Chicago Tribune
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Working out of bullpen, Owen Lense bears down as Lincoln-Way East clinches share of conference title. ‘I was ready.'
Even before the first pitch, junior right-hander Owen Lense actually knew that he would be getting into Wednesday's game for Lincoln-Way East. He just didn't know when or for how long. Lense then took control with the SouthWest Suburban Conference title on the line. 'This was supposed to be a bullpen game and everybody was going to be getting innings,' said Lense, who came in facing a two-run deficit in the second. 'I knew I was coming in. I was ready.' Was he ever. Lense scattered three hits in six scoreless innings and was involved in a pitcher's duel through five innings before the Griffins erupted for an 11-2 victory over host Sandburg in Orland Park. That performance paved the way for Lincoln-Way East (23-9, 12-4), which tied Lincoln-Way Central (17-10, 12-4) for the conference title with the Knights beating Bradley-Bourbonnais 8-2. 'I was just concentrating on going in and using both sides of the plate,' Lense said. 'I wanted to win this game. I knew it was for the conference championship and I had to do it for my team. 'It went better than I expected. I came in there and I was in the zone.' So was Evan Riiff, who had two hits and three RBIs for the Griffins. Casey Mikrut, Cooper Johnson and Tyler Hudik each added two hits and Rocco Triolo drove in a pair of runs. Hudik showed his versatility, bunting for a single in an eight-run sixth and hitting a solo homer in the seventh. Ryan Evoy came up with a single, double and triple for Sandburg (20-11, 7-9). 'That's what he does every time he goes out there,' Hudik said of Lense. 'He goes out there and shoves every single time. When he's out there, I have no doubt in my mind that we will be fine.' Lincoln-Way East coach John McCarthy felt the same way as Hudik did. 'Owen came in and threw strikes and did a really good job,' McCarthy said. 'He came up big and kept us in the game. This game could have gone sideways. Kudos to him. He was outstanding.' The Griffins snapped a five-game losing streak that produced only 14 runs with Monday's 1-0 win over Sandburg in Frankfort. They then scored just two runs in the first five innings Wednesday. So, the deluge of runs in the sixth created a sigh of relief in Lincoln-Way East's dugout. 'We have a great group of guys,' Lense said. 'When we string hits together, good things happen.' 'It was one of those innings that happens in baseball,' McCarthy said. 'Thankfully, it happened for us in time to win the game.' The Griffins believe they have enough talent to make a run at a Class 4A state championship. 'It's just about going out there and winning ball games,' Hudik said. 'The sky is the limit. I think we can go as far as the state championship if we keep playing like this.' Surviving and thriving in the SouthWest Suburban Conference could help that cause. McCarthy thinks sharing the conference title is still a huge accomplishment. 'It's one of the best conferences in the state of Illinois from top to bottom,' he said. 'For us to be a conference champ is a real honor for our boys. It shows the type of grit they have because there are a lot of ups and a lot of downs. We managed to stay with it.' Lense, who said he's been playing baseball since kindergarten, also stayed with it. He said one of the things he loves about baseball is playing in big situations like Wednesday's game. 'I like the satisfying big moments,' Lense said. 'A lot of moments in baseball are just like 'wow' and you feel great after doing it.'
Chicago Tribune
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
At home behind the plate, Robby Pursel provides pick-me-up at first base for Andrew. ‘Super exciting, actually.'
Robby Pursel is a catcher at heart. That's the position the senior was recruited to play at Millikin, the college he committed to back in January. But Andrew has depth behind the plate and talented junior Nolan Kendall typically starts there, so Pursel moved to first base. And he welcomed the switch. 'I think it's super exciting, actually,' Pursel said. 'It's fun to play a new position. Nolan's a dog. He's amazing back there. Whatever I have to do. I can play first base. I can hold my own.' Pursel has been solid in the field and strong at the plate all season. He had two hits for host Andrew in Wednesday's SouthWest Suburban Conference game against Lincoln-Way West. The game was suspended due to darkness in Tinley Park with the teams tied 1-1 through 11 innings. It was set to be completed Thursday. Caden Kendall was dominant on the mound for eight innings. After taking a no-hitter into the sixth for Andrew (16-6, 3-6), he allowed one earned run on three hits, struck out three and did not issue a walk. Ben Reilly followed with three innings of scoreless relief. 'Caden is just a dog,' Pursel said. 'He gets it done every time he's out there. It's amazing. Ben came in and threw great, too.' Notre Dame recruit Michael Pettit allowed one earned run over five innings for Lincoln-Way West (18-5, 7-4). He struck out five, working around five hits, two walks and three batters hit by a pitch. Ben Joynt and Rock Valley commit Tyler Bartley threw two and four scoreless innings, respectively, in relief. Jackson Mansker delivered an RBI double. Pursel, meanwhile, has been a steady force as the No. 3 hitter in Andrew's order. He's batting .429 with 12 runs, two homers and 19 RBIs. 'Robby's doing really good,' Caden Kendall said. 'First base is a big spot for him and he plays it well. He's been swinging the bat for us, too.' Pursel said adjusting to first base has been pretty smooth, but it's a tougher position to play than some people realize. 'The challenge is that you kind of have to be able to read everyone's arms,' he said. 'It's not as easy as people think, but it's fun.' Andrew coach Dave DeHaan appreciates Pursel buying in. He said the senior leader is an important part of the Thunderbolts' lineup. 'He's a team-first guy and he's done a great job,' DeHaan said. 'We're very fortunate that we have some really good catchers. He's been willing to play first and really helped us there. 'He's a senior who's been through it and it's huge to have him in the middle of the lineup for us. He had a great year last season and he's continuing to have success this year.' Andrew's lone run Wednesday came in the fourth inning, when Caden Kendall's single was followed by three batters being hit by a pitch. Caden Kendall did not allow a hit against the Warriors' talented offense until Pettit singled with two outs in the sixth inning and Mansker followed with the game-tying double. 'I just kept pounding the zone and my defense played really well,' Caden said. The game turned into an epic one. And it's to be continued. 'It was nuts,' Pursel said. 'The energy was great. The crowd was phenomenal. The pitching was phenomenal.' It was the kind of day that further enhances Pursel's love for a sport he started playing when he was 4 years old. Pursel's mother, Margaret, is a former softball player and one of Pursel's biggest motivators. 'My mom was huge for me,' Pursel said. 'She was always out in the backyard playing catch with me. My love for the game kind of started right there. 'Now I'll take her to the Bo (Jackson) Dome in Lockport and hit there. She'll flip balls to me or use the machine. It's awesome.'
Chicago Tribune
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
From leadoff spot, Lincoln-Way Central's Filippo Baratta beats Homewood-Flossmoor's heat. ‘I just love attacking.'
As the team's leadoff hitter, Filippo Baratta was ready to flip the switch for Lincoln-Way Central. The senior outfielder was the first one to take a swing Monday against the scorching heat generated by Homewood-Flossmoor pitcher Antonio Brown Jr., a junior right-hander. For Baratta, it was all in a day's work. 'I just love attacking that first pitch and getting the next guys up,' Baratta said of facing Brown. 'He threw strikes, but I'm out there making plays and that is all you can ask for.' Baratta came up with what the doctor ordered for the Knights, contributing two hits and an RBI in a 3-0 SouthWest Suburban Conference victory over the host Vikings in Flossmoor. Junior right-hander Alex Panos struck out four in six innings for Lincoln-Way Central (12-7, 7-2). He allowed just three hits and a walk. Brown, who reached speeds of more than 90 mph, struck out six while allowing four hits and two earned runs in five innings for H-F (10-15, 5-6). A two-year starter committed to Southwestern Illinois, Baratta flashed his electric speed in scoring in the third inning on a fielder's choice by junior designated hitter Austin Welsh. With the Knights up 2-0 in the fourth quarter, Baratta closed out the scoring with a smash that ricocheted off Brown. It's also part of what impressed Welsh. 'He just goes up there, has an approach, swings and gets on base,' Welsh said of Baratta, who's called 'Flip' by his teammates. 'That's what we need — base runners who help us create runs. 'This is how he has played his whole life. He can put the ball into play when he needs to. He only makes friends. He's our No. 1 guy.' Baratta's speed and athleticism are crucial elements of the Knights' offense. 'I'm ready to use my speed and do whatever is necessary to help win games,' Baratta said. 'I treat every game like the playoffs and never let up.' Lincoln-Way Central coach Ryan Kutt said Baratta's talent for getting on base is impeccable. Kutt said Baratta has a .400 on-base percentage this spring. 'He's always going to find a way to get on base two or three times a game,' Kutt said. 'He's a guy who just runs and flies around the bases. We always want to put that pressure. 'His work ethic and attitude just separate him from a lot of people.' In that way, Baratta looks to create havoc on the bases with a frenetic, hard-edged style. 'I like to play hard and fast and create winning plays for the team,' he said. 'I'm the same way out in right field. I love checking balls down, watch our pitchers throw strikes and make any play.' Likewise, Baratta is that same brash player from last season. The only difference, according to Kutt, is being more experienced and confident. 'I think the difference is maturity,' Kutt said. 'He is the same exact player he was a year ago. Now that he is a senior, he's a lot more vocal and has done a great job of being a leader. 'We're an old group, with 16 seniors, but not a lot of guys with varsity experience. Having those stripes from last year is huge for us.' Baratta began playing organized baseball at age 5. He was inspired by older cousins. In his free time, Baratta loves listening to music and lifting weights. His favorite aspect is seeing teammates excel and take advantage of their opportunities. 'I love everything about the game, but especially what I call the ups and downs,' Baratta said. 'It's a difficult game to play well, so I go out there, play hard and do what I can to win games. Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. Originally Published: May 5, 2025 at 11:04 PM CDT
Chicago Tribune
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
College hockey recruit Kayla Doerre puts big win on ice for Lincoln-Way Central softball. ‘This girl can play.'
She was trying to be aggressive. And when you try to be aggressive, things can occasionally go off the rails. So it was Tuesday for Lincoln-Way Central senior Kayla Doerre. When she tried to take an extra base on a double to the left field fence at Lincoln-Way East, she got caught up in a rundown. Things didn't just go off the rails, they got physical. 'I got hit in the face,' Doerre said. 'Me and the girl ran into each other, and I knocked the ball out of her glove.' With her face, to be exact. It had to hurt. But then, Doerre is used to getting pushed, shoved — and hit. She plays hockey. 'Uh-huh,' Doerre said, smiling. 'Most definitely. Hockey can get pretty rough.' Doerre's hit, however, helped put the game as the Knights beat the host Griffins 6-0 in a SouthWest Suburban Conference showdown in Frankfort. Florida State recruit Lisabella Dimitrijevic was a two-way dominator with 18 strikeouts and a home run for Lincoln-Way Central (17-1, 7-0). Doerre and Mia Degliomini each had two hits, while Ellie McLaughlin reached all four times and scored twice. Mackenzie Bacha came through with a pair of doubles for Lincoln-Way East (17-2, 6-2). Dimitrijevic, a senior right-hander, is just seven strikeouts away from 1,000 for her career. 'It means a lot to me,' Dimitrijevic said. 'I have put in so much work off the field pitching-wise.' Doerre, meanwhile, is coming off of a fine winter season on the ice for her Chicago Mission travel team. A left wing who will play hockey at Oswego State in New York, she scored 15 goals. But her skills go beyond putting the puck in the net. 'I'm not that much of a goal-scorer, but that's all right,' Doerre said. 'I'm more of a playmaker who gets assists.' The rough stuff? The cage she wears protects her face, but Doerre has seen her share of scars. 'Sometimes, I've gotten a stick to the neck a little bit,' she said. 'And there have been some board battles, fighting people.' Doerre dropped summer softball to concentrate on hockey after her freshman year at Lincoln-Way Central. But she was determined to stick with softball in high school. Knights coach Jeff Tarala was more than willing to help her do so. 'I have a lot of love for Kayla Doerre,' Tarala said, smiling. 'I've told the story before about how she came up as a freshman and hit a triple down the line off of Lyndsey Grein at practice. I watched that and said, 'Oh, gosh. This girl can play.' 'Kayla is a super athlete. She's fast. She can hit for power. She can put bunts down and get on base. She's very versatile. And she's tough. She plays hockey.' Doerre, who bats second in the order, is hitting .333 with three doubles, two home runs and eight RBIs. She has been rock solid at first base, committing just two errors so far this season. Dimitrijevic appreciates the defense. But what she enjoys more is watching Doerre swing the bat. 'It's really amazing,' Dimitrijevic said. 'She just wows me in the box. Some of the hits she scrapes up for the team, it's impressive. She has great hand-eye coordination at the plate.' McLaughlin and Doerre have been a consistent one-two punch at the top of the order. 'I like hitting after Ellie,' Doerre said. 'She's a very good leadoff hitter. She gets things going for us, and I like to follow that and keep the energy up. 'I will be playing hockey in college, but I still have a passion for softball. It's definitely something I look forward to every day.'
