Lincoln-Way Central takes over the top spot, while Lincoln-Way West and Oak Forest enter the rankings. Lincoln-Way West’s Reese Rourke is the player of the week.
Top 10
With records through Thursday and previous rankings in parentheses.
1. Lincoln-Way Central 1-0 (2)
Bella Dimitrijevic strikes out eight of nine batters and hits a home run for Knights.
2. Lockport 3-0 (3)
Emma Fitzgerald comes up big at the plate and adds a diving catch in left field.
3. Lincoln-Way East 5-1 (6)
Lea Herkel produces a week to remember, batting .636.
4. Marist 2-1 (1)
Bree Hanik brings a big stick with five RBIs against Lemont.
5. Beecher 1-0 (5)
Ava Lorenzatti puts up 18 strikeouts for Bobcats in a no-hitter on opening day.
6. Andrew 4-0-1 (9)
Madison Vrastil is on fire with .800 average and 10 stolen bases.
7. Lemont 1-1 (4)
Senior designated player Lauren Grames provides punch on offense.
8. Providence 0-0 (7)
Junior outfielder Ella Kucala will be a newcomer to watch for Celtics.
9. Lincoln-Way West 2-0 (NR)
With six sophomores starting, Warriors score 27 runs in two games.
10. Oak Forest 2-0 (NR)
Mia Delisi and Annabelle Rush are one-two hitting show at top of the batting order.
Player of the Week
Sophomore pitcher/infielder Reese Rourke had a stellar week in one game with two doubles, a triple, two home runs and nine RBIs while earning the pitching win for Lincoln-Way West in a 21-7 victory over Plainfield North.
Tony Baranek is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.