PEORIA — Schuler time is becoming the norm at the Class 3A state tournament.
Antioch’s Jacey Schuler produced several dominant pitching performances at Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in the past two years. Her younger sister, Tegan, had a front-row seat for those games, including a 12-inning gem in the Sequoits’ loss to Lemont in the state final last season.
“It’s very weird because I’ve been here every other game, like last year, coming to state for my sister,” Tegan Schuler said. “I’ve always wanted to be here.”
But Tegan Schuler did more than just watch during Antioch’s Class 3A state semifinal against Waterloo on Friday. The freshman center fielder drilled a one-out triple to right field to drive in senior designated player Grace Green in the bottom of the sixth and then scored, too, to spark the Sequoits’ 2-0 victory.
Antioch (29-5), which advanced to the state championship game again to play Pontiac (30-7) at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in search of the program’s first title, recorded two of its three hits during the decisive two-run sixth. Sophomore second baseman Jadynn Ruiz’s bunt led to an error that allowed Tegan Schuler to score the second run.
“You get downstate, you will see good pitching no matter what,” Antioch coach Anthony Rocco said. “We’re fast on turf, a pretty athletic team. We had to play small ball, but we knew we could break it open.”
In her fifth game pitching at state, Jacey Schuler (23-3) turned in another magnificent performance against Waterloo (28-7). The senior struck out 13 and gave up three hits in seven innings. She outdueled Waterloo pitcher Mia Miller (18-4), who kept Antioch’s bats silent for most of the game. Miller struck out 10 and didn’t walk a batter in six innings.
“It feels great because ever since the beginning of the year, it has been our goal to get back to the state championship game,” Jacey Schuler said. “We were doing it game by game, pitch by pitch.”
Tegan Schuler said she was determined to make a difference in her third at-bat.
“I was trying to be aggressive because my first two at-bats I struck out,” she said. “I didn’t let that bother me and came with a new mindset, knowing we weren’t going to lose this game and I had to really put in my own part, whether that was getting a hit or getting on because of an error.”
Jacey Schuler, a Michigan State recruit, said it was great to see her sister deliver a key hit.
“It’s awesome, but the whole year has been awesome,” Jacey Schuler said. “It’s our first and probably last year playing together. I’m excited to see her do that, especially on such a big stage.”
Tegan Schuler said she was happy to help her older sister out.
“She has done so much for this team as a pitcher and a hitter,” Tegan Schuler said. “She’s come through so many times in multiple aspects. It’s really helping her out as my teammate and my sister.”
Tegan Schuler started the season batting second in the order, but she was moved to the leadoff spot before long. She entered the state tournament hitting .390 with five home runs and 34 runs scored.
“We knew she was a talented player, but we wanted to keep the pressure off her,” Rocco said. “We started her in the two spot for a couple of games.”
Jacey Schuler said she has talked with Tegan and stressed the importance of enjoying her high school career.
“The main thing I tell her is not to take it for granted,” Jacey Schuler said. “My four years have gone by so fast, and it’s crazy that I’m already done with high school. Just to sit in the moment and appreciate what you’re doing.”
Tegan Schuler said she has benefited from having one of the top players in the state in her household.
“It’s been really fun because I’ve had her as my role model and so many people on this team as role models,” Tegan Schuler said. “It’s going to be fun to continue to do this this year and the next few years. I’ve had a lot of fun.
“It’s upsetting because it has gone so fast (this season), but it’s also really special that we got to do it together.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
