Lily Barrera is in her second season as a starter for Warren and has become a prominent player in a program pursuing its 11th regional title in a row.
But the senior center fielder particularly likes her leadership role.
“Watching the older girls with more experience last year helped me develop who I am as player and person,” Barrera said. “This year I’ve stepped up to the plate and tried to be the best leader possible.”
Barrera credits her mother, Lauren, for giving her a good start.
“I’m an only child, and my mom had me at a very young age, so it’s just been me and her for the longest time,” Barrera said. “She’s raising me to be the best person I can be. She’s my best friend.”
Barrera’s mother had plenty of reasons to cheer during Warren’s Class 4A Glenbrook North Regional semifinal on Monday. Barrera had two hits, drove in four runs and scored three times to spark the third-seeded Blue Devils’ 16-1 victory against 14th-seeded Highland Park/Deerfield in Northbrook.
Barrera helped open the floodgates from the second spot in the order with a bunt single as Warren took a 12-0 lead in the first inning.
“Lily’s a leader for us and has a bigger role this year,” Warren coach Jenna Charbonneau said. “We have a lot of young kids, so she’s helped a lot with her leadership.”
Senior shortstop Hannah Conger, a Wisconsin recruit, had three hits, two RBIs and three runs scored for the Blue Devils (22-7), who advance to the regional championship game against either sixth-seeded Buffalo Grove or 11th-seeded Glenbrook North at 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Junior Taylor Layette’s first-inning RBI single off Warren sophomore pitcher Mia Meno provided the lone run for Highland Park/Deerfield (6-12-1).
“(Warren) is a very well-coached team, and they make routine plays and they make great plays,” Highland Park/Deerfield coach Sarah Douglas said. “I was really impressed all around in their hitting, pitching and defense.”
Speed is a significant factor for Barrera, who raised her average to .344 and has seven doubles, a triple, three home runs, 20 RBIs and 41 runs scored.
“She’s really fast on the base paths and can bunt for a hit and covers a lot of ground in the outfield,” Charbonneau said.
Barrera has played primarily in the outfield during her 12 years in the sport and said it appeals to her.
“I love that I have the speed to get to balls, and I like doing the not-so-routine plays if I can,” Barrera said.
But her spot in the order isn’t so familiar to her.
“This year has been a lot different for me batting second,” Barrera said. “I think, as the No. 2 batter, you have to see a lot more pitches to help out the team, so I try to do that.”
Barrera, who is a member of the National Honor Society, said she plans to attend Iowa with senior right fielder Angelina Perez. They’ve been friends for 10 years.
“I’ve known her ever since we were kids and seen her develop into a better person and player,” Perez said. “She has a great leadership role on this team. She has great communication skills and is able to take charge and help the team when it needs help.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
