By Randy Whalen
Correspondent
Marist returned to the state title game for the fourth straight season with a 7-1 victory over Mundelein in the semifinals, held June 7 at Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria.
The Mustangs (36-2) were making their first appearance at state since 1996.
“We have a core group of returners,” Marist coach Colleen Phelan said. “But we also have five freshmen contributing to the team.
“We put the ball in play.”
One of those freshmen is catcher Lexi Kyros, who bashed a pair of doubles that drove in a combined three runs and helped stake Marist to a 5-1 lead after three innings.
“Our older girls just told us to stay strong and I just went up there and stayed calm,” Kyros said. “I just had to do it for myself, my team, and my seniors.”
Keeping track of the RedHawks and their runs to state championship games over the past three years was something that Kyros did. This season, she helped them advance to another one.
“I’ve known since seventh grade that I’d come here,” Kyros said. “I’ve watched the team the last three years and this is really just awesome.”
Marist pitcher Gianna Hillegonds allowed a run in the third to snap her scoreless streak at 21 2/3 innings, but she settled in and retired the side in order four times. The junior right-hander allowed one earned run on five hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.
The RedHawks had eight hits.
Senior left fielder Camryn Lyons was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI double in the fourth, and junior center fielder Breanna Hanik had an RBI single in the second.
Mundelein didn’t help itself with four errors. Sophomore right-hander Shae Johnson (25-2) gave up four earned runs on eight hits with two walks, a hit batter, and a strikeout.