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Warriors Finish Season at Montini

Shutout Against Broncos

Posted on Monday, June 1, 2009 @ 5:35 am

No. 3 seed Montini (22-6) scored four runs in the top of the first inning and cruised to a 7-0 victory over No. 6 seed Wheaton Academy in a IHSA 3A regional final played at Montini on Saturday. "We were just simply beaten by a much better team today," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "We knew after we played them tough a week ago in a 7-4 loss that they'd raise their level of play today. They did just that. That's a veteran bunch who is very well coached and won a regional last year so we knew it was going to be extremely tough sledding today. We certainly weren't surprised." Wheaton Academy, who was playing in its first regional title game since 2004, opened with freshman Kim Olson in the circle and she struggled finding the plate in the top of the first. After a leadoff walk, a stolen base, and a flyout, junior pitcher Lara Mangialardi fouled off six pitches and then tripled to give Montini a 1-0 lead. After Jenna Scudder was hit by a pitch and stole second, Olson struck out Ashley Turacek for the second out of the inning. Fabi Sullo then hit a single to score both Mangialardi and Scudder to give Montini a 3-0 lead. Montini extended its lead to 4-0 when Sullo stole second and scored on a wild pitch when the ball deflected off the backstop and back to the catcher and the catcher's throw to third was high. " One thing that we've been able to do all season is avoid the big inning,” said Starowitz “We just couldn't get out of the first inning. Once Kim settled down she was fine. I put a freshman in a tough spot because she hadn't pitched in a game in nearly two weeks. She also had to show up to the game about 15 minutes prior to the first pitch because it was her sister's high school graduation this morning but I was really glad that she was able to make both events. I thought she was very solid after the first inning. Kim always battles. I was really proud of her." WA threatened in the top of the second inning when Olson led off the inning with a double and advanced to third on a one-out single by junior Julia Kolanowski. Freshman Bekah Huebner then lined into a double play to end the threat. Montini extended its lead to 5-0 in the bottom of the second inning when shortstop Tori Shipbaugh delivered a two-out RBI single. The Warriors threatened again in the bottom of the fourth when senior catcher Allison Hunt singled and advanced to second on a walk but the Broncos ended the inning with a 4-4-3 double play. The Warriors also left two runners on base in the fifth inning. The Broncos plated two additional runs in the top of the fifth inning. Olson pitched five innings for the Warriors and allowed six earned runs and six hits, while walking three, hitting a batter, and striking out three. Sophomore Paige Huizenga pitched the sixth inning and allowed two hits, while striking out one. Mangialardi was impressive as usual in the circle, allowing no earned runs and only three hits. She hit one batter, walked two, and struck out eight. "I couldn't be more proud of this group of girls," said Starowitz. "Two weeks before the season started we weren't even certain if we'd even have enough players to field a team. The girls just kept improving and working and we played at a level toward the end of the season beyond what I thought we were capable. It was just a great group of young ladies." Wheaton Academy finishes its season with a 12-17 record, including 8-8 in the PSL. Montini advances to play either Riverside-Brookfield or Fenton in the sectional semifinal.

Wheaton Academy Wins 1st Game of Regionals

To Play for Regional Championship Saturday

Posted on Thursday, May 28, 2009 @ 10:35 pm

No. 6 seed Wheaton Academy advanced to a regional championship game for the first time since the 2004 season with a 16-0 (5 inning) victory over No. 11 seed ACE Tech Charter at Montini in the IHSA 3A state tournament on Thursday. With the victory, WA advances to take on No. 3 seed Montini in Saturday's regional final. The Warriors led 13-0 after two innings. "I told the girls after today's game to not let the ease of today's victory detract from the accomplishment," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "One of the reasons we had the opportunity to play a team that was taking a large step up in competition is because we accomplished some good things during the regular season and earned a decent seed." Sophomore pitcher Paige Huizenga (7-7) earned the start in the circle for the Warriors and struck out nine batters in only three innings of work. She did not allow a hit and walked one. Junior Julia Kolanowski pitched the final two innings and allowed no runs and three hits, while walking none and striking out three. Offensively, freshman Bitsy Weaver was 3-for-4 with a double, Kolanowski was 3-4 with a double, Huizenga was 3-for 4, and freshman Bekah Heubner, who has never played softball prior to this season, was 3-for-3 with an RBI. Heubner has nine hits in her last 10 at-bats, including a double last week against one of the state's top hurlers in Illiana's Jocelyn Oppenhuis. "Montini is one of the top 15-ranked teams in 3A," said Starowitz. "We played them last week and played about as well as we can possibly play and still lost 7-4, and they didn't even throw their ace. I know Montini didn't even feel like it played very well. They are just a very, very solid team. With that said, all we can ask for is the opportunity to compete and we've earned that chance. Some of the girls on this team were 10 the last time WA played for a regional title in softball. It's another nice step in the growth of this program, although we know we have a long, long, long way to go." Saturday's game, which will be played at Montini, is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

Warriors Fall to Broncos

Montini Wins 20th of the Year

Posted on Friday, May 22, 2009 @ 9:29 am

Montini designated player Samantha Richmond hit a three-run home run in the top of the seventh inning to break open a 4-3 game and provide the visiting Broncos (20-6) with an eventual 7-4 victory over Wheaton Academy (11-16, 8-8 PSL) in West Chicago on Thursday. Montini is ranked No. 15 in the most recent 3A IHSA softball poll. "Montini didn't throw its ace today but we played good softball," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "We were much improved defensively, Paige threw well, and we had some timely hits and manufactured some runs. We've played three games this week against two of the better teams in the Chicago area and we've competed pretty well." Sophomore pitcher Paige Huizenga (6-7) was tagged with the loss for the Warriors as she pitched seven innings and allowed 15 hits and six earned runs, while walking one and striking out two. Montini's Victoria Shipbaugh earned the win for the Broncos as she also threw a complete game and allowed four runs and 11 hits, while walking one and striking out one. The Warriors secured a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning when junior centerfielder Julia Kolanowski singled, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Kelly Johnson, and scored on a single by freshman Bekah Huebner. The Broncos tied the game at 1-1 with a single run in the top of the fourth inning, but the Warriors regained the lead in the bottom of the fourth when Kolanowski again singled, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Johnson and scored on a single by junior leftfielder Ashley Pivaronas. Montini took a 3-2 lead in the top of the fifth on a single by Kaitlin Maggiore and back-to-back doubles by Lara Mangialardi and Jenna Scudder. Montini extended its lead to 4-2 with a single run in the top of sixth but the Warriors again cut the lead to one, this time 4-3, when Kolanowski again singled, advanced on Johnson's third sacrifice bunt of the day, and scored on a single by pinch hitter Alison Koch. Montini broke the game open with Richmond's three-run homer with two outs in the top of the seventh inning. WA closed the scoring with a single run in the top of the seventh when freshman Bitsy Weaver walked and scored on a double by senior catcher Allison Hunt. "I was really pleased with two performances today," said Starowitz. "Allison Koch has played third base for us almost all season and has struggled this week so we decided not to start her today. She came off the bench and had a huge RBI single. A lot of girls would have hung their head about not starting but not Alison. Also, for Kelly Johnson to have three sacrifice bunts was really neat to see. She doesn't get an RBI for any of those three runs but those runs were as much her runs as anyone." Wheaton Academy opens IHSA tournament play on Wednesday when it faces ACE Tech Charter. The game will be played at Montini and is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.

Driscoll Defeats the Warriors

Resume Play on Tuesday against Illiana

Posted on Friday, May 15, 2009 @ 6:26 am

Wheaton Academy (11-13, 8-6 PSL) dropped a 5-3 non-league decision at Driscoll on Thursday afternoon. The host Highlanders scored two runs after two were out in the bottom of the sixth inning to earn the victory. "We knew we'd have to play almost perfect softball to beat Driscoll and we couldn't quite pull it off," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "We failed to execute a few times and it proved costly. With that said, Driscoll beat Marian Catholic 15-5 yesterday and lost to Montini only 6-5 on Tuesday so it was encouraging to compete against a team that has been playing good softball. Driscoll is a very good hitting team." After WA freshman Kim Olson struck out the first two hitters in the bottom of the sixth inning, Breaunna Medinger singled and later scored on a triple by Lisa Matsie, who scored on a single by Tarah McShane. Olson (4-8) suffered the loss in the circle for the Warriors. She threw six innings and allowed 10 hits and four earned runs, while walking none, hitting a batter, and fanning five. Driscoll took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning when pitcher Breaunna Medinger, who was 3-for-4 on the day recorded a one-out single. A starting guard on Driscoll's state championship basketball team, Medinger stole second and scored on a double by Matsie, who later scored on a double by Katelyn Conenna. WA answered with a run in the top of the fourth when junior centerfielder Julia Kolanowski led off the inning with a double and advanced to third on a hit by senior shortstop Kelly Johnson. Kolanowski then scored on a double steal. Driscoll plated another run to take a 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning when Kasey Reaber reached on a sun-aided error and scored on another hit by Medinger. The Warriors tied the game 3-3 when junior Ashley Pivaronas doubled to drive in sophomore Paige Huizenga, who was 2-for-3 on the day, and Kolanowski, who had reached on a walk. Medinger earned the win in the circle for Driscoll, allowing six hits and three earned runs, while walking six and striking out eight. Wheaton Academy returns to action on Tuesday when it travels Illiana Christian in a PSL tilt. Illiana is currently ranked 12th in the 3A state softball poll (as of 5/4).

Wheaton Academy Defeats Somonauk

Olson Throws 7 Strong Innings

Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 @ 6:02 am

Wheaton Academy (11-12, 8-6 PSL) snapped Somonauk's six game winning streak with a 2-1 victory over the visiting Bobcats (14-11). The Warriors scored the winning run with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning when sophomore rightfielder Paige Huizenga, who had reached on a single and advanced to third on a single by freshman Kim Olson, scored when a sharply hit groundball by junior centerfielder Julia Kolanowski was slightly bobbled by pitcher Alexa Smith and Huizenga beat the throw to the plate. "It was a very well played and exciting softball game and, in my mind, our best win of the year," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "Conference games will always be the most important games as long as I'm coaching at Wheaton Academy -- and this was a non-league game -- but in terms of putting hitting, pitching, and defense together, I thought this was our best effort of the season against a very solid and well-coached team. We played with extraordinary effort and energy today and I'm extremely proud of the girls." Freshman Kim Olson (4-7) earned the victory in the circle for the Warriors as she threw 7.0 innings and allowed only four hits and no earned runs, while walking three and striking out nine. "I didn't think Kim had great velocity on Saturday but she said she felt much better today and it showed," said Starowitz. "She was on a short leash because I had planned to get Paige some work as well, but Kim really found her groove and we rode her to the finish line." The Warriors took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning against Somonauk starter Alexa Smith when Huizenga provided a two-out single, advanced to third on a single by Olson, and then scored on an RBI single by senior shortstop Kelly Johnson. Somonauk answered with one run in the top of the second inning with Smith walked, advanced to third on a single, and scored on a first-and-third situation when a fake throw was mishandled. Alexa Smith took the tough loss for Somonauk, pitching 7.0 innings and allowing only one earned run and eight hits, while walking one, hitting a batter, and striking out 10. "While we struck out more often than I would have like it was great to see Paige (3-for-4), Kim (2-for-4), and Kelly Johnson (2-for-3) really hit the ball well today against a pitcher who has had a lot of success this season. Ashley Pivaronas was 1-for-3 but she also hit the ball hard, as did Allison Hunt. "Our three seniors (Allison Hunt, Kelly Johnson and Jessica Nawrocki) earned game balls today for the leadership they've provided throughout this season," said Starowitz. "All three lead in very different ways. Allison is playing in great pain right now but is an absolute warrior. Kelly made two of the finer defensive plays that she's made all season today and came up with a key hit and is becoming a more vocal leader, and Jessica is great because she's just someone you'd always take on your team because she makes everyone around her better because of her fantastic attitude." Wheaton Academy returns to action on Thursday when it travels to Driscoll for a non-league matchup. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.

Wheaton Academy Sweeps DH

Moves 2 above .500 in PSL

Posted on Sunday, May , 10, 2009 @ 7:27 pm

In West Chicago on Saturday, Wheaton Academy (10-12 overall, 8-6 PSL) swept a PSL doubleheader from Westminster. The Warriors won game one, 18-1 (5 inn.), and game two, 6-1. "It was nice to get a couple of wins today," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "I know these are baby steps but we've now won double digit games, which has only happened once at WA since the 2003-04 season, and we've guaranteed ourselves at least a .500 record in the PSL. We know the competition gets much stiffer during the final two weeks of the season but the girls can be proud of what they've accomplished to date. I know I'm proud of them." Freshman lefthander Kim Olson (3-7) earned the win in game one for the Warriors as she pitched five innings and allowed only one unearned run and two hits, while walking two and striking out two. "I don't think Kim had her best stuff today but she always battles," said Starowitz. "Allison Hunt throwing out two runners trying to steal in the first inning provided us with a huge lift." Freshman Bitsy Weaver paced the Warriors in the first game with a 3-for-3 effort to go along with a sacrifice fly. Junior Ashley Pivaronas was 3-for-3 with a double, while sophomore Paige Huizenga was 2-for-3 with a triple. Huizenga (6-5) earned the victory in the circle in game two, pitching seven innings and allowing one earned run and four hits, while walking none and striking out 13. "I thought Paige was really sharp today," said Starowitz. "She mixed speeds really well and kept the Westminster hitters off balance." Junior Alison Koch was 1-for-2 with 2 RBI for the Warriors in game two, while Huizenga was 2-for-3. Wheaton Academy returns to action on Monday when the Warriors host Somonauk. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.

Lisle Defeats Softball Team

Continue play at Home on Saturday

Posted on Friday, May , 8, 2009 @ 5:22 am

Wheaton Academy (8-12, 6-6 PSL) returned to action Thursday afternoon and dropped a 5-0 home decision to Lisle (17-8, 7-4 Interstate 8). The game featured a matchup of solid freshman pitchers as Lisle's Melanie Early bested WA's Kim Olson (2-7). Early pitched 7.0 innings and allowed no earned runs and three hits, while walking none and striking out four. Olson also pitched a complete game and allowed three earned runs and seven hits, while walking two and striking out eight. Olson also surrendered a solo home run to freshman Mackenzie Buchelt. "I was really pleased with the way our girls competed," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "Lisle is a very solid team and Coach Pomatto has done a great job turning that team around in a very short period of time. They have a number of impressive looking athletes. We're just really struggling at the plate right now. I feel sorry for Kim because her record isn't at all indicative of how well she is pitching. We just can't seem to score any runs. Today, four of the seven hits Kim surrendered were soft flares to rightfield. She made a few mistakes but she'll compete for seven innings. I still think the sky is the limit for her." After a scoreless first, Lisle added three runs in the bottom of the second inning on singles by Buchelt, Early, Katie Harris, and Jackie Todd, along with two walks. Lisle plated two more runs in the top of the third, one on the home run by Buchelt. Olson then retired 14 of the last 17 batters she faced. For Wheaton Academy, Olson, freshman Bitsy Weaver, and senior Allison Hunt recorded the only hits. The Warriors return to action on Saturday when they host Westminster Christian in a PSL doubleheader.

Timothy Defeats WA

Warriors Swept in Doubleheader

Posted on Saturday, May 2, 2009 @ 9:35 pm

Wheaton Academy dropped a league doubleheader against Timothy Christian on Saturday, 10-0 (5 inn.) and 6-0. In the opener, WA trailed 2-0 after 4.5 innings but the Knights tallied eight runs in the bottom of the fifth to end the game. "We knew it was likely going to be a tough day and it was," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "Timothy Christian is very well coached and has very good players. What we've avoided all year, even against the best teams we've played, is giving up a really big inning and we just couldn't get out of the fifth today. I'm also not very smart because I told myself going into today that we wouldn't let Janna Strodtman beat us offensively and and she killed us. I put our pitchers in some tough spots and Janna's a very good player." In the opener, freshman Kim Olson (2-5) pitched 4.1 innings and allowed eight hits and five earned runs, while walking one and striking out five. Junior Allison Hunt had the only hit for the Warriors, a single in the top of the fourth. In the nightcap, sophomore Paige Huizenga (5-5) pitched seven innings and allowed seven hits and only two earned runs, while striking out five and walking none. "I don't think the score of the second game was at all indicative of how well Paige pitched," said Starowitz. "I thought it was one of her best efforts of the season. We got off to a rough start defensively in game two but Paige stayed composed and really cruised through the middle innings, with the only real damage the Stodtman solo shot." Freshman first baseman Bitsy Weaver had the only two hits for the Warriors in game two, a sharply hit single in the third inning and a double off of the rightfield fence in the top of the sixth. Wheaton Academy returns to action on Monday when it travels to IMSA. Janna Stodtman earned both wins in the circle for Timothy Christian. She also hit a solo home run in game two.

Warriors Split with Luther North

Olson Throws No Hitter in 1st Game

Posted on Saturday, May 2, 2009 @ 7:45 am

Wheaton Academy (6-8 overall, 4-4 PSL) split a conference doubleheader (two 5 inning games) against Luther North on Wednesday in West Chicago, winning the opener 6-0 behind the strength of a no-hitter by freshman Kim Olson, and dropping the nightcap, 3-1. "While we split the doubleheader, I wasn't even close to as disappointed as I was after our split vs. Walther Lutheran this past Saturday," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "We couldn't have played much better in the first game and we just got beat in the second game. If you fall behind in these five inning games it's really tough to come back. I did think we were ready to play in the second game today, which we weren't on Saturday. Obviously, I'm thrilled about Kim's no-hitter. That's a really nice accomplishment for any pitcher, and especially a freshman. We only struck out once in the second game. We hit the ball but they just played well defensively." Olson (2-4), who threw a one-hitter vs. Walther this past Saturday, faced one batter over the minimum today vs. Luther North. She allowed one runner to reach on an error, but every out was retired by strikeout or by a Wheaton Academy infielder. In five innings of work she threw only 54 pitches, did not walk a batter, and struck out 10, including the last four batters she faced. Wheaton Academy jumped to a 5-0 lead in the first inning of the opener with freshman Bitsy Weaver and Olson supplying singles, and junior Julia Kolanowski a double. The Warriors added one run in the bottom of the second inning when senior catcher Allison Hunt singled and later scored on an error. In the second game, Luther North scored one run in the top of the first inning and added two more runs in the third inning. With one out in the third, WA first baseman Bitsy Weaver was called for obstruction when attempting to field a bunt and Luther North went on to score two runs. "The ball was bunted right down the first line and Bitsy should have had every opportunity to field the ball as there were no other defenders in the area," said Starowitz. "The runner has to give her an opportunity to field the ball. I certainly think it should have been runner interference and not obstruction on Bitsy. With that said, it was a costly call but we had opportunities to make up for it later in the game and we didn't quite take advantage." Wheaton Academy scored its lone run in the second game in the top of the fourth inning when junior Ashley Pivaronas reached on a fielder's choice and later scored on a single by freshman Caitlin Koehler. "Caitlin just keeps getting better and better and I am thrilled with the way Bekah Heubner played today. Bekah's been playing softball for about six weeks and she is really making great contributions offensively and defensively. Both she and Caitlin are really going to be good ballplayers. We had four freshmen make major contributions today so that's encouraging." Olson pitched all four innings in game two and allowed one earned run, while walking one and striking out six. Wheaton Academy returns to action tomorrow when it travels to Rosary for a non-league tilt.

Warriors Split with Walther

Stay at .500 on the season

Posted on Monday, April 27, 2009 @ 6:20 am

Wheaton Academy (5-7, 3-3 PSL) split a PSL doubleheader with Walther Lutheran (8-10, 2-3 PSL) on Saturday in West Chicago. The Warriors won the opener, 6-1, behind the strength of a one-hitter by freshman hurler Kim Olson, and dropped the nightcap, 7-6, surrendering two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. "I thought we played as well as we've played all season in the opener," said first-year WA head coach Todd Starowitz. "Kim threw extremely well and we played very well defensively. We played with a lot of energy and we were really sharp. However, I think what we learned today is that winning the first game of a doubleheader doesn't guarantee you anything in game two. We came out flat in the second game and Walther made us pay." In the opener, Olson (1-3) earned the first varsity win of her career, pitching all seven innings and allowing only one hit and no earned runs, while walking five, hitting one, and striking out 10. The Warriors opened the scoring in the first game in the bottom of the first when freshman Bitsy Weaver singled and later scored on a single by sophomore Paige Huizenga. WA grabbed a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second when junior centerfielder Julia Kolanowski singled, stole second, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by senior shortstop Kelly Johnson, and scored on a groundout by junior third baseman Alison Koch. WA extended its lead to 5-0 in the third inning when Weaver and senior catcher Allison Hunt recorded back-to-back triples and Huizenga walked and scored on a sacrifice fly by Olson. Wheaton Academy scored its sixth and final run of the game when Huizenga walked and later scored on a ground out by Kolanowski. DeeDee Kruckenberg suffered the loss for Walther Luther, pitching six innings and allowing six earned runs and seven hits, while walking three and striking out two. In the nightcap, Walther Lutheran scored two runs in the top of the first. WA answered with one run in the top of the second when Kolanowski scored and eventually scored on an error. WA grabbed a 3-2 lead with two runs in the top of the third but Walther regained the lead 4-3 when it scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Walther extended its lead to 5-3 in the bottom of the fifth inning. WA tied the game 5-5 in the top of the sixth inning scoring twice. Kolanowski doubled and scored on a single by Koch, and Johnson walked and scored on a passed ball. Johnson provided the Warriors with a 6-5 lead in the top of the seventh when she drove in junior Ashley Pivaronas, who had reached on a walk. In the bottom of the seventh, Huizenga struck out the lead off hitter and then walked pitcher Colleen Mullen. Junior Amy Aurrichio, senior Rachel Solymon, and sophomore Hannah Solymon all recorded base hits to secure the 7-6 victory. Sophomore Paige Huizenga (4-4) suffered the loss for the Warriors. She pitched seven innings and allowed seven runs, only two of which were earned. She also walked four and struck out eight. Freshman Colleen Mullen earned the victory in the circle for Walther, allowing four earned runs and six hits, while walking eight and striking out two. Wheaton Academy returns to action on Monday when it hosts a PSL doubleheader against Luther South

Warriors Fall to Chicago Christian

Drop First PSL Game of '09

Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2009 @ 5:37 am

Wheaton Academy (4-5, 2-1) dropped its first PSL game of the season this afternoon, dropping an 8-1 decision to visiting Chicago Christian (8-7, 3-0). Chicago Christian opened the game with two runs in the top of the first inning against WA freshman hurler Kim Olson (0-2). Gutierrez, who was 4-for 5 on the day, doubled and later scored and Lindsay Norwalk scored to give the Knights the lead. Wheaton Academy answered in the bottom of the first when freshman Bitsy Weaver, who was 2-for-3 with two doubles, doubled, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by senior catcher Allison Hunt, and scored on a groundout by sophomore rightfielder Paige Huizenga. Chicago Christian added two more runs in the third, two in the fourth, one in the fifth and one in the seventh to notch its total of eight. Wheaton Academy really only threatened again in the fifth when Weaver doubled. Olson pitched seven innings for the Warriors and allowed 14 hits and seven earned runs, while walking three and striking out eight. Steele earned the complete game victory and allowed only three hits, the two doubles by Weaver and a single by junior centerfielder Julia Kolanowski. She hit one batter, did not allow a walk, and struck out 14. Wheaton Academy travels to Chicago Christian on Thursday to again face off with the Knights.

Warriors Open Up PSL Play

Sweep Doubleheader Against the Eagles

Posted on Saturday, April 18, 2009 @ 4:24 pm

Wheaton Academy (4-4, 2-0 PSL) began conference play on the right foot on Saturday earning a doubleheader win over visiting Aurora Christian. The host Warriors won the opener, 8-6, and the nightcap, 16-4 in five innings. "We needed to find a way to win both games today and we got that done," said first-year WA head coach Todd Starowitz. "We were down 4-0 in the opener and just continued to fight back. That was really good to see. It was also great to see so many different girls make great contributions. It's always nice to begin 2-0 in league play." Aurora Christian opened the first game with three runs in the first inning, capped by a two-run home run by shortstop Shannah Morris, who also homered in the nightcap. ACS added another run in the top of the third inning before WA answered with two runs in the top of the third to cut the lead to 4-2. Senior catcher Allison Hunt doubled and freshman Bitsy Weaver singled, providing key hits for the Warriors. The Warriors tied the game 4-4 in the bottom of the fourth inning when sophomore pitcher Paige Huizenga doubled home sophomore Emily Mirrilees, who had reached on a walk, and Weaver who had singled. After Aurora Christian plated two more runs in the top of the fifth inning to take a 6-4 lead, Wheaton Academy answered with four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Junior Alison Koch provided a key hit with a single that plated two runs, while Huizenga tallied her second double of the game. Huizenga earned the victory in the opener, pitching seven innings and allowing five hits and three earned runs, while walking two and striking out 15. Weaver, who was 4-for-4 with four singles in the opener, extended her streak to 10 consecutive plate appearances with a hit. "That's one of the most extraordinary streaks I've ever seen," said Starowitz. "For anyone, and especially a freshman, to hit safely in 10 consecutive plate appearances is truly remarkable." Wheaton Academy was the visiting team in the nightcap and scored eight runs in the top of the first inning. Hunt had two hits in the inning, while Huizenga tallied her third double of the day. The Warriors added one run in the second, three in the third, and four more in the fourth to reach its total of 16. Junior leftfielder Ashley Pivaronas tallied the first home run of her career when she deposited a Naomi Haas pitch into the pond beyond the fence in leftcenter. Huizenga (3-4) earned the victory in the nightcap. She pitched all five innings and allowed three earned runs and six hits, while walking one and striking out seven. "Paige was certainly the unsung hero of the day," said Starowitz. "With Kim Olson out of town on a church-related trip, Paige had to gut out 12 tough innings. I thought she did a great job keeping hitters off balance and she was tough to hit against today." Wheaton Academy returns to action on Tuesday when it travels to Chicago Christian for a PSL contest.

Warriors Play West Chicago

Fall in 5 Innings

Posted on Friday, April 17, 2009 @ 11:09 pm

Wheaton Academy (2-4) hosted one of the state's best 4A teams in West Chicago today and dropped a 12-0 (5 inn.) decision to the visiting Wildcats (10-1). "We knew we'd have our hands full today and we certainly did," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "West Chicago rested a few of its top players today and we are appreciative. I thought we battled well early in the game but we gave them five outs in the second inning and that really turned things quickly in their direction." Paige Huizenga (2-3) started in the circle for the Warriors and pitched 5.0 innings, allowing 12 runs, only one of which was earned. She allowed 11 hits, walked one, hit a batter, and struck out three. "I really thought Paige pitched very well today, and the key word is pitch," said Starowitz. "I thought she mixed speeds well and I thought she effectively wasted some pitches. We just didn't help her at all defensively today. I thought she really battled. I was really proud of her." Freshman Bitsy Weaver paced the Warriors at the plate with a 2-for-2 performance, including a double. She has now hit safely in her last six plate appearances spanning three games. "Bitsy is just doing a fantastic job," said Starowitz. "She's obviously seeing the ball really well and is hitting very good pitching. It's really exciting." Katie Olson led the Wildcats in the circle, earning the complete game victory. She allowed only two hits, while striking out 11 and walking only one.

Knights Defeat Warriors

Returns to Action on Friday

Posted on Thursday, April 16, 2009 @ 11:05 am

Wheaton Academy (2-3 overall, 0-0 PSL) hosted Kaneland (7-4) this afternoon and dropped a 11-1 (5 inn.) decision in a non-league tilt. "We knew that we were taking a huge step forward in class of opponent this week with games against Kaneland and West Chicago," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "I'd like to thank Coach (Dennis) Hansen for pulling the pedal off of the gas late in the game because they certainly could have scored a few more runs than then did. With that said, I thought we did some good things. We didn't throw the ball all over the yard, and freshman Bitsy Weaver was 3-for-3 with a double. Bitsy's going to be as good as she wants to be as her career continues." Kaneland scored five runs in the top of the first inning and added three more runs in the top of the second inning to take control of the game. WA scored its lone run in the bottom of the third inning with Weaver reached on a single to left and advanced to second on a fielding error by the left fielder. She then advanced to third on a ground out by catcher Allison Hunt, and scored on a ground out by pitcher Paige Huizenga. Huizenga (2-2) started in the circle for the Warriors, allowing nine earned runs and 11 hits, all of which were singles. She also walked one and struck out one. Mallory Huml started for Kaneland and earned the complete game victory, allowing no earned runs and three hits, while walking one and striking out seven. Wheaton Academy returns to action Friday when it hosts West Chicago. "West Chicago is probably the best team we'll play all season," said Starowitz. "It will be a great challenge for us but we hope it will help us prepare for Saturday's PSL opener vs. Aurora Christian."

Warriors fall to Newark

Come up short in second 1-run game

Posted on Saturday, April 11, 2009 @ 9:05 am

Wheaton Academy dropped its second one-run game in as many outings, losing 4-3 at Newark on Thursday. The Warriors scored three times in the top of the fifth inning to take a 3-2 lead, but Newark scored once in the bottom of the fifth and once in the sixth to earn the victory. Freshman Kim Olson (0-1) made the first start of her varsity career and allowed three earned runs and five hits, while striking out eight and walking none in 6.0 innings. Freshman Bitsy Weaver tripled and drove in two runs for the Warriors. "Today's game was another good matchup for us," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "Right now we just aren't aggressive enough at the plate, and are just indecisive enough once or twice a game defensively, and those two things are getting us beat. I thought Kim did a great job in her first varsity start. She did not walk a batter and struck out the first five batters she faced. Bitsy came up with a really key hit and that was good to see. Yet again, however, we left the tying run at third in the seventh." WA's scheduled Saturday doubleheader against Paw Paw has been cancelled. The Warriors return to play on Monday when they host Wheaton St. Francis. "There is no question that we face the most demanding week of our season next week," said Starowitz. "St. Francis, Kaneland, and West Chicago are teams that will challenge us in every possible way and all three are just really good softball teams. It's going to show us just how far we have to progress to compete against high caliber teams. Right now we realize there is a large gap between those three programs and ours but we will do our best to compete. We are also really looking forward to our PSL opening doubleheader against Aurora Christian one week from Saturday."

Warriors Travel to Indiana

Fall to Heritage Christian in a Close Contest

Posted on Monday, April 6, 2009 @ 5:37 am

Wheaton Academy (2-1) concluded a two-day spring trip to Indiana by dropping a 4-3 contest played at Heritage Christian in Indianapolis. The host Eagles scored four runs in the first inning and the visiting Warriors trailed 4-3 with runners on 2nd and 3rd base when the game ended on a popout. The second game of the scheduled doubleheader was canceled in fourth inning because of lightening. WA was trailing 4-3 at the time and the game will not be made up. Eleven Wheaton Academy softball players made the trip to Indiana, which included a practice at Heritage Christian on Wednesday and a visit to Indiana University in Bloomington. While at IU, the girls were afforded the opportunity to listen to two guest speakers: Jennifer Hooker Brinegar, a 1976 Olympian in swimming at the age of 15, and Rev. Anthony Thompson, who was recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and finished 2nd in the 1988 Heisman Trophy balloting. The team also toured the campus and the athletic facilities, which included a visit to the IU men's basketball locker room. The team also practiced in the 50,000-plus seat football stadium. "We had a really productive trip," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "I thought the young ladies handled themselves with great maturity and poise. I think we are growing as a program. Heritage Christian was a great matchup for us because it's two building programs with comparable levels of talent. They are well coached and they did a great job putting a lot of pressure on us that we didn't handle very well in the first inning. We played on our heels. Once we settled down we played much better, but it's extremely difficult to spot a team four runs in the first. We did battle back again, which is encouraging. I think we are learning that softball, like many sports, is a game of mistakes and we simply made too many to win." Sophomore Paige Huizenga (2-1) started in the circle for the Warriors and pitched 3.0 innings, allowing five hits and three earned runs, while walking none. Freshman lefthander Kim Olson pitched the final 3.0 innings and did not allow a hit, while striking out four. In the first 7.0 innings of Olson's varsity career she has not allowed a hit and has struck out 13 opposing batters. Trailing 4-0 in the top of the fourth, junior centerfielder Julia Kolanowski reached after being hit by a pitch and scored on a single by freshman second baseman Caitlin Koehler. "I thought Caitlin did a great job today," said Starowitz. "She is a freshman who was making her first varsity start and she had a little bit of everything thrown at her. She made a few mistakes but she made far more good plays. She has great range defensively and will be a really good hitter as she becomes a little stronger physically. We are really excited about her." The Warriors closed to within 4-3 in the top of the sixth inning. Senior shortstop Kelly Johnson and Olson provided base hits, while senior Jessica Nawrocki recorded a run-scoring single.

Warriors Pick up Win #2

Softball Defeat East Aurora 7-0

Posted on Saturday, March 28, 2009 @ 7:56 am

Paige Huizenga (2-0) and freshman Kim Olson (Save: 1) combined to throw a two hitter as Wheaton Academy (2-0) earned a 7-0 home victory over East Aurora. The Warriors scored once in the first, five times in the second, and once in the third to earn the victory. "I thought we pitched well and played very well defensively," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "We had the potential to be in a major jam in the top of the first and we worked our way out of it. We only had one fielding error and Paige and Kim really battled. Kim recording nine strikeouts in four innings is a nice way for a freshman to start her varsity career in the circle. We didn't hit the ball as well as I would have liked but we're making some progress." Huizenga pitched the first 3.0 innings and allowed two hits, while striking out two and walking none. Olson, making the first appearance of her high school career, pitched the final 4.0 innings and allowed no hits and two walks, while striking out nine. The Warriors scored a run in the top of the first when freshman Bitsy Weaver led off the game with a walk, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, stole third, and then scored on a groundout by junior Alison Koch. The Warriors scored five runs in the second to extend the lead to 6-0. Huizenga helped her own cause with a single and senior Jessica Nawrocki supplied a run-scoring ground out. The Warriors travel to Indianapolis next Thursday to take on Heritage Christian.

Softball Game Suspended

Warriors down 5-4 after 3.5 Innings

Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 @ 5:17 am

Immaculate Conception opened its 2009 campaign by moving its home opener to Wheaton Academy because of unplayable fields in Elmhurst. The Knights (0-0) left West Chicago with a 5-4 advantage in a game that was suspended after 3.5 innings. The game will later be completed from the point that it was suspended. "I thought today would be all about energy because it was IC's first game and I knew it would be tough to match their intensity," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "I don't think we played with as much fight in us as we did against Plano, but that's as much on me as anyone else, as is leaving nine runners on base. IC is a little bit ahead of where we are right now as a program but we were in the game. I thought Paige Huizenga really battled in some very difficult weather conditions." Huizenga (1-0) allowed five hits, four earned runs, while striking out five and walking two in 3.5 innings pitched. She also had a single and drew a walk for the Warriors (1-0). Also pacing the Warriors offensively were freshman Bitsy Weaver, who was 1-2 with a walk and a run scored, and senior shortstop Kelly Johnson who was 1-2 with two walks. Wheaton Academy hosts East Aurora at 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Girls Win Opener

Defeat Plano 10-8

Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 @ 1:42 pm

After losing to Plano in its season opener in 2008, 16-1, Wheaton Academy knew it would have its hands full with a team that returned seven seniors and both of its all-conference players from a year ago. Yet, the Warriors scored seven runs in the top of the seventh inning to earn a stirring 10-8 come-from-behind victory. "I think the thing that is most encouraging is that we took 10 girls on the trip and all ten girls made great contributions," said first-year head coach Todd Starowitz. "We have a long, long way to go but I think we learned today that if we just fight and compete that some good things can happen." Sophomore Paige Huizenga (1-0) was solid on the mound for the Warriors, scattering seven hits and allowing no walks in the complete game victory. She also struck out six Plano batters. Plano led only 1-0 after three innings but scored three runs in the top of the fourth to capture a 4-1 lead. WA scored two in the top half of the fifth to pull to within 4-3. Freshman Bitsy Weaver and junior Alison Koch supplied the key hits. Plano then scored three more runs in the bottom half of the sixth inning after senior third baseman Lauren Konop led off the inning with a home run. Traiiing 7-3, Wheaton Academy then answered with seven runs in the top half of the seventh to take a 10-7 lead. Huizenga and freshman Kim Olson supplied the key hits for the Warriors. The Reapers had already plated one run and had runners at first and third when Huizenga struck out senior centerfielder Morgan Sibley to end the game.

2009 Season Preview

Posted on Monday, Mar 16, 2009 @ 7:50 pm

The Warrior Softball team is now one week into the season, and new head coach Todd Starowitz has taken the time to preview what we can expect from the ladies this upcoming season. Read the complete Season Preview

WA Hires Varsity Softball Coach

Posted on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008 @ 12:05 PM

Todd Starowitz

Today the Wheaton Academy Athletic Department announced the hiring of Todd Starowitz as the Varsity Softball coach. Starowitz, a public relations manager at Tyndale House Publishers, has collegiate and professional athletics experience working in both the Big Ten Conference and the National Football League. While at Indiana University, he worked very closely with the Hoosiers softball program.

Read the full press release.