Coming off a big day at the plate, Richards junior first baseman Abbey Lichter was quick to talk about her teammates and their growth.
This was no surprise to her coach, Julie Folliard.
“This team is really being selfless,” Folliard said after the Bulldogs’ 14-2 win over Chicago Christian on March 21. “They’re helping each other out. They’re teaching the ropes to the younger players and everybody’s working hard.”
Lichter joined varsity as a sophomore in a limited role last year, but is stepping into a bigger one in her junior season. Personal improvement is important, but whatever she and her teammate can do for each other is the key to Bulldogs succeeding.
“Maybe someone is better at something so that girl will help the other person and it just helps us all get better as a team,” Lichter said.
Lichter went 4-for-4 with two runs scored, a double, a grand slam and seven RBIs against the Knights in a game moved to Richards because of wet grounds at Chicago Christian.
Before that game, the Bulldogs lost 8-5 to Lyons on March 18 and had a game against Sandburg postponed due to the weather and field conditions.
“We’re happy to get this game in,” Folliard said. “We’re glad Chicago Christian came over. Our grounds crew was awesome.”
The Bulldogs took control in the top of the first, scoring 13 times.
Six of Lichter’s seven runs batted in came in the first inning. She nearly hit another home run in the second inning when she launched a deep fly ball to center that fell a few inches short.
“It was exciting,” Lichter said. “I am glad we got to play.”
The junior cleanup hitter had been working on her swing in practice, and it showed.
“She’s building her confidence,” Folliard said. “It looked like she was trying to work on some of her technique in practice yesterday that she did execute on that swing.”
Harmony Macias and Emily Chavosky limited the Knights to two runs (one earned). Chavosky allowed one walk and struck out five during her two innings of relief.
Brenna Schaafsma went 1-for-1 with a run scored, a walk and a double for Chicago Christian, while Madi Hamilton added an RBI double.
All but one player in the Richards starting lineup scored a run. Catcher Sarah Scott had three hits, including a double, with two runs scored and three driven in for the Bulldogs. Left fielder Abby Witt had a walk, a single and a double, and scored twice.
Even after playing on the varsity last year, Lichter is also learning. She’s not just working on her swing, but her defense, too.
“She’s learning to play first base,” Folliard said. “She played just like one game there last year (for us).”
“I am working on catching the ball,” Lichter said, “Also, like reaching for it and helping make sure to help my team get the outs.”
The multi-sport athlete is a multi-dimensional player for the Bulldogs. Not only will she play first base but third, the outfield and catcher as well.
“Wherever the team needs me most, I’ll be there,” Lichter said.