By Bobby Narang
Benet Academy High School’s magical baseball season was filled with highlight moments.
The Benet Redwings (27-13) made a shocking run to the Class 3A State championship game, losing 8-5 to St. Laurence in Joliet earlier this month.
Quinn Rooney’s strong hitting helped his team get to the 3A final, when he homered in the State title game.
“Congratulations to St. Laurence,” Benet coach Jorge Acosta said. “It was a fun game, back and forth. We battled back and had some opportunities. It was a good high school baseball game. This has been over a decade in the making. We have had some really good teams over the years that didn’t have a chance to get here for one reason or another.
“Hopefully, this is a stepping stone for our team to become regulars and get a chance to win a state title.”
St. Laurence (37-5) won its first State title behind Daniel Coyle’s go-ahead hit in the sixth inning, while Coyle tossed three innings in relief to lead his team to victory.
“I’m always on my toes ready for the next situation,” Coyle said. “I live for this type of stuff. It just feels so good to bring one home finally.”
Benet reached State for the first time since 1989 by getting an inspired effort from Jonny Rossi, as he pitched five-plus inning to spark the Redwings to a 6-3 win over Washington in the supersectionals.
Rooney had a memorable game in the state semifinals against Cary-Grove with a two-run triple in an 11-6 win at Duly Health and Care Field. He had two hits and scored two runs.
“I just try to stay loose the whole time,” Rooney said. “It’s just like any other moment, like batting practice. I have the support of my while team, all of Benet. It’s great.”