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Softball: Lake Forest Scouts U-14 wins Woodstock Tournament
Updated: August 20, 2012 11:21AM
WOODSTOCK — Sparked by the heavy hitting of Erin Dunleavy, Lauren Frericks, Megan Gahart, Amanda Elert and Maggie Mack, the Lake Forest Scouts U-14 travel softball team took top honors in the 15th Annual Woodstock Tournament.
The Scouts, who finished 5-1 in the tourney, claimed a commanding 9-5 win over the Crystal Lake Tidal Wave in Sunday’s final. It was the team’s first tournament title of the season.
Lake Forest’s offense was impressive. In the title game, Dunleavy and Frericks banged out three hits each, while Gahart and Elert drove in a combined five runs. Mack’s three-run triple to center field capped off a five-run first inning and set the tone.
Sarah Porter was the winning pitcher. She scattered six hits.
The team jumped out to a great start on Friday, earning pool-play victories over the Northern Ice 10-2 and McHenry Junior Warriors 11-3. Mackenzie Whitlock, Porter, and Frericks led the attack in the win over Northern Ice, while Maddy Gailey, Olivia Scott, and Julia Metzger combined for five hits and four RBI in the nightcap.
Seeded No. 2 in bracket play, the Scouts faced a very competitive Cary Crush team and won a tough 5-4 decision (three-inning International Tie-Breaker) in the quarterfinals.
“We figured these two teams would meet somehow to determine the championship” Coach Dean Gahart stated.
Frericks was clutch on the mound. She fanned four in the 10-inning thriller and pitched out of a bases-loaded jam.
The hitting standouts were Elert, Gailey, Metzger and Isabel Das. Sparkling defense was turned in by Frericks, Scott and Mack.
In the semifinal, the Scouts topped Northern Ice 10-1. Dunleavy, Porter, Frericks, Mack, and Elert were the hitting stars, while Porter stood out on the mound.
“These girls worked so hard to get this title” Head coach Courtney Whitlock stated. “It was great to see this great group of girls break through and win the championship game. This was a moment that all of them earned and understand how special it is to win as a team. They have been a special team to coach and I am very proud of them.”
