Softball: T-Bolts Use Pitching of Hofer, Running Game to Clip Stagg

Touching All the Bases:  In a softball game with conference title implications, Andrew and Stagg battled in an intense, low-scoring affair that saw Andrew pull out its second victory of the year over the Chargers 2-0 on Monday.

After working out of a bases-loaded jam in the first inning, Andrew pitcher Brooke Hofer settled in and stifled Stagg's offense.  At one point, Hofer retired 13 consecutive batters.  

Chargers pitcher Lea Lasota was just as stingy on the Andrew bats, but it was the Thunderbolts' aggressive base-running that allowed them to get on the board in the fifth.

Shannon Rust started the line moving with a booming double to left, and she was sacrificed to third on a well-placed bunt by shortstop Katie Christner. Kelly Christner, Katie’s sister, then drew a walk and triggered the aggressive base-running. Christner stole second, but Stagg instead threw to third in a bid to catch Rust off base. The ball trickled into the outfield and Rust race home for the first run of the game.  By the time Rust had arrived home, Christner was on third.  Second baseman Jenna Lenza then bunted Christner home to give the T-Bolts a 2-0 lead.

Stagg threatened to score in the top of the seventh. Danielle Stark led off with a single, and the next batter up, Kelly Sistos, drew a walk.  With two on and nobody out, Hofer stayed calm and retired the next three Stagg batters, sealing the game and the win for the Thunderbolts.

Patch’ s MVP: Andrew pitcher Brooke Hofer went seven innings against a potent Stagg offense without allowing a run. She struck out four, walked three and allowed three hits.

Andrew Leaders: Third baseman Shannon Rust (3-for-4, 2 doubles, run); center fielder Kelly Christner (1-for-1, double, 3 walks, run).

Stagg Leaders: Second baseman Victoria Dellorto (2-for-3); pitcher Lea LaSota (8 strikeouts).

Quotable: “The last couple years, every game (with Stagg) has been extra innings or really close. The kids know what to expect.  They played hard, as we are both going for the goal of a conference title,”  Andrew coach Jim Holba said.

Quotable II: Stagg coach Missy Mason: “We’ll regroup, we’ll be OK.  It’s not like we’re a horrendous 22 and 3.”

Team Records:  Andrew is 18-8 and 9-1 in the Southwest Suburban Red. Stagg is 22-3 and 7-3.

What’s Next:  Stagg plays Thorton at home, before visiting Thornridge.  Andrew will host Bradley in its next game.