After a tough 2025 season for Sandburg, senior twins Zoe and Olivia Trunk couldn’t wait to write a different chapter this spring.
They got started on that on March 12, putting up big numbers in the Eagles’ 16-8 season-opening win at Joliet West.
The Trunk twins, who bat first and second, and sophomore Shea Durkin, who bats ninth, combined for nine of Sandburg’s 17 hits.
“They are both four-year varsity players,” coach Amanda Allison said of Olivia and Zoe Trunk. “They absolutely had that twin telepathy going on.”
Zoe, a Dayton recruit who plays shortstop, went 4-for-5 with a walk, three runs scored, and four RBIs. She singled to lead off the game and had a three-run double in the fourth.
“I’m really excited to get the season going,” Zoe Trunk said. “I was working a lot on my swing, and I’m glad it showed. I think we just have to come together, have each other’s backs and not stress out too much.
“We have nothing to lose. We just have to have fun, play softball and get some wins.”
Olivia Trunk, who plays center field, went 2-for-4 with a walk, a sacrifice, a run scored, and two RBIs. Durkin, a second baseman, was 3-for-4, with three runs scored, a sacrifice, and a pair of RBIs. Every Sandburg starter had at least one hit.
Allison, who was the starting left fielder for Sandburg’s Class 4A state champs in 2010, is in her third season as head coach. She believes the Eagles will be much improved this season.
“Our theme this season is ‘Grow,'” she said. “My first year, it was ‘Roots,’ and last season it was ‘Connection.’ Two years ago, we had a great senior class and went 21-10. But last year, we had missing pieces and came up short (going 10-21). But we believe we were able to learn from that.”
A new piece this season is freshman designated player Abigail Marcus, who went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, a walk, and an RBI single against Joliet West. She also pitched the final three innings in relief of senior Jaclyn Donnelly and sophomore Kiley Johnson.
“As a freshman, it felt a little nerve-wracking,” Marcus said. “But I’m excited for the level of competition I’ll face and getting an opportunity to play with the other girls.
“It did feel good to be out on the field and have fun. It was super uplifting just to have fun with these girls.”
Allison played with an elite left-handed pitcher, Brittany Gardner, when she was on the Eagles. So she knows the advantage of having an excellent southpaw.
“Abigail had sprained her ankle a few weeks ago,” Allison said. “But she was able to start in the DP position, and it was nice to see her throw.
“She’s energetic, and we’re excited to see her grow.”