Softball: How Tinley Park Matches Up With Peoria Notre Dame

The softball teams for Tinley Park and Peoria Notre Dame high schools are two sides of the same coin.

Both teams are entering unfamiliar waters as they meet each other in the super-sectional Tuesday at Illinois State University in Normal. But while the Irish have been winning thanks to a powerful offense, the Titans have been shutting teams down—and out—with strong pitching.

Here's a look at how the two teams match up on the diamond and off. The winner advances to the state semifinal Friday, June 7, against Glenbard South in East Peoria.

Plus, check out the video clips of Tinley Park's regional title win against Oak Forest High School.

RECORDS
Tinley Park: 24-7
Notre Dame: 28-8

WHO TO WATCH
Tinley Park: Senior pitcher Sarah Gillespie. Although she gave up a stingy two runs in the sectional title game, that was nothing compared to the two shutouts she threw in the previous games.
Notre Dame: Junior third baseman Annie Fleming is the Irish's big bat. She went 2-for-3 in ND's sectional title win and 2-for-2 with three RBI in the team's regional title game.

PREVIOUS BEST SEASON
Tinley Park: 1990-91 (26-11)
Notre Dame: 1992-93 (27-8)

SCHOOL FIRSTS
Tinley Park: First softball elite eight appearance
Notre Dame: First super-sectional appearance

DISTANCE FROM SUPER-SECTIONAL IN NORMAL
Tinley Park: 113 miles
Notre Dame: 42.4 miles

ALUMNI OF NOTE
Tinley Park: Garry Meir, Chicago radio personality who also was part of the infamous Comiskey Park Disco Demolition Night in 1979.
Notre Dame: Joe Girardi, former catcher for the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs, current manager for the Yankees.

SOURCES: Peoria Journal Star, Illinois High School Association, Wikipedia
* The school was in Class 2A at the time.

Class 3A Softball Super-Sectional

• Tinley Park Wins Sectional Title, Moves on to Super-Sectional
  
• Tinley Park Shuts Out Oak Forest