Panthers Win, 19-0

By Dennis Bowling

Manteno Girls Varsity Coach Josh Carlile knows one of the strong points of his team can be found in his outstanding starting pitching. He was proven correct on March 24, as junior Alyssa Dralle and sophomore Ava Peterson each did very well in the circle.

Dralle (3 IP, 2K, 1 H, 3 RBIs) and Peterson (1 IP, 1K, 1 W, 2 RBIs) each combined to allow only one hit to help the Panthers beat Crete-Monee, 19-0, in four innings, during a very chilly non-conference contest in Manteno, in the Manteno/Bradley Tournament.

“I did very well, and Jaz (Manau) was calling good pitches,” said Dralle, who is 2-0 overall. “I trust my defense, and they were able to make the plays. My hitting has been good, too.”

Manteno (2-1) came out very strong against the Warrior’s hurler Janette Simpson and scored 11 runs in the first frame and recording 19 hits total.

After one out, the Panthers Lily Bivona (2 RBIs) singled, and later scored on a wild pitch for a 1-0 lead. Macy Iwanus’ single plated AJ Lubben (1 RBI) for the second run, then Ava Pequette’s (1 RBI) double knocked in Iwanus for the third run.

Manau’s single drove in Drew Hosselton for a 4-0 advantage. Then, with the bases loaded, Gabby Monterastelli’s walk forced in Pequette for the fifth run. A Peterson walk enabled Kenzie Hespen to score for a 6-0 lead.

Still in the first, a Bivona single brought in Sophie Peterson for the seventh run. A Dralle single plated Monterastelli and Ava Peterson to make it 9-0. Finally, an Iwanus ground out brought in Bivona and Lubben to make it 11-0.

Manteno scored two runs in the second frame for a 13-0 advantage, then added six runs in the third inning for a 19-0 final tally.

Hosselton, a very good volleyball and basketball player, anchors the infield playing a superb third base. She had three hits and drove in one run.

“It was just a fun game for Alyssa, and she pitched very well,” she said. “Our defense did a great job, while Jaz had some nice blocks behind the plate. Macy did a nice job at first base, too.”

Iwanus, a basketball and softball standout, had two hits, and drove in one run, and said, “Alyssa threw the ball very well and had good spin on the ball, too. We came out strong and were ready.”

On the mound, in the first frame, Dralle got the Warriors out in order. In the second inning, Dralle allowed a single to Simpson. She then regrouped and managed to get three Crete-Monee players out in a row to end a possible scoring threat.

In the third inning, Dralle got the Warriors out in order. In relief in the fourth frame, Peterson got one out, then allowed a walk to Skylar Welcome, but struck out the next two Warriors to end the game.

Crete-Monee Coach Jim Jenson was pleased with the performance of freshman hurler Simpson, and said, “Janette pitched very well for her first ever varsity game. We just need to play better defense. Skylar is a good leader, and Rashel (Lindsay) did very well. We should be a competitive team. We just need to put the ball in play.”