By Bobby Narang
Oswego High School’s softball team made history this season. See https://thevoice.us/oswego-high-school-girls-softball-wins-state-tournament-class-4a
The Panthers had a season-ending celebration befitting their stunning accomplishments.
Several Panthers hit the turf in celebration seconds after notching a 12-7 victory over Mundelein in the Class 4A State tournament third-place game Saturday afternoon, June 8 in Peoria.
The Panthers (29-10), led by junior catcher Kiyah Chavez and Marissa Moffett, won a program-best 29 games this season, to finish their season in style with a 17-hit attack against the Mundelein at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex.
Standing with his players and their families for pictures on an adjacent field, Oswego softball head coach Paul Netzel said it was a season to remember, but hopefully just the beginning.
“We want that first-place trophy next year,” Netzel said. “The girls are already talking about it. You can’t always get it on your first shot, but we have the experience and know what it takes to get there.”
The Panthers, who lost to eventual State champion St. Charles North Friday, June 7 in the State semifinal, scored eight runs in the third inning to take a commanding lead against Mundelein in the third-place game.
Mundelein, which suffered two of its three losses on the season in the State tournament, fought back, but the Panthers’ hung tough and added quality pitching late in the game to earn the program’s first State trophy. Oswego sophomore pitcher Jaelynn Anthony (16-5) earned the win and added three hits. Senior outfielder Kaylee LaChappell had three hits and two RBIs and Moffett tallied three hits and scored three runs.
“I just knew I was going to go out with a bang,” Moffett said. “I had to do whatever I could to make myself happy.”
St. Charles North won its second State championship in three years with an impressive 7-2 victory over defending State champion Marist Saturday night. Ginger Ritter sparked a late comeback by drilling a three-run home run in a five-run sixth inning. The North Stars (26-6) defeated Marist in the State championship game, 3-2, in 2022.
“Marist is probably the most challenging team to face, so that locks you in,” St. Charles North head coach Tom Poulin said. “But our girls were ready. They’ve had a purpose since the beginning, and it was to work toward this (State tournament success). I’m proud of them all.”