C-G softball wins FVC Valley

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CARY – Eleni Polites’ bunt single to lead off the bottom of the first inning Friday exactly was how Cary-Grove’s softball team intended to come out against McHenry.

Like a boxer nearing the end of a round, the Trojans could see the prize here – a second consecutive outright Fox Valley Conference Valley Division title – and dispatching the Warriors quickly and efficiently would require a knockout punch.

It started with Polites and ended with 11 runs in the first inning, making it clear C-G wasn’t messing around. The 13-0 victory that clinched the FVC Valley Division title outright was all business, a hard-hitting, intense and unrelenting march marked by determination and discipline.

“They came out today and hit hard right off the bat,” C-G coach Tammy Olson said. “They really rose to the occasion.”

Last year’s crown was lauded – the program’s first-ever conference or division title. Although this year’s hardware still drew celebration, the Trojans (22-1 overall, 12-0 FVC Valley) have expectations beyond conference titles.

Having big goals means everything before their fruition is just a stepping stone.

“It does feel a little different for me because it’s the second time,” said sophomore pitcher Lindsay Efflandt, who gave up one hit and struck out nine in the victory.

“But we’ve got higher expectations this year and this just reminds us that we have to keep it going.”

Senior outfielder Alexis Haley, who went 1 for 2 with two walks, a triple and an RBI, thought of the team’s progression since her freshman season, and how the goals have changed over the years.

“I do feel like we’ve come a long way,” said Haley, a four year starting outfielder. “This team is really special and we’re really focused.

“ ... Our goals really drive us.”

Haley’s RBI triple in the bottom of the first drove in Polites, and senior Emma Gaulke drove in Haley with a single to shallow center. Gaulke and Lisa Semro came home on Taylor Dunne’s double, and Sarah Leudo singled to drive in Ellen Celsek, running on Efflandt’s single. Leudo’s RBI made it 5-0.

The Warriors (6-11, 4-9) got Jamie Deering to pop up to first for the first out, but third baseman Sara Markelonis tripled to deep right field, driving in Dunne and Leudo for the 7-0 cushion. Markelonis came home on Polites’ single, and Efflandt drove in Polites and Gaulke with a single to shallow right center.

Dunne reached on an error that allowed Semro to score the final run of the inning, but the damage was done.

McHenry junior first baseman Lexy Gaumain had the Warriors’ lone hit – a two-out single in the first inning – and reached base again in the fourth on a fielding error, but McHenry never got a runner in scoring position.