By Bobby Narang
Gathering her team in the left-field bullpen following Saturday’s game, Oswego High School softball coach, Annie Scaramuzzi, tried to point out the positives to her team.
The Panthers had just wrapped up their season, losing both of their games at the Class 4A State tournament at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex.
A year ago, the Panthers were celebrating a State championship victory over Barrington on the main field. Now, after dropping a 6-0 defeat to Marist in the 4A third-place game on the adjacent field, the Panthers walked away in disappointment and tears.
Still, Scaramuzzi, as she stood over her team while all of them were crouched down on one knee, expressed how proud she was of the seniors and her team over a three-year run to the State tournament.
“We rather be competing for a title game, but I’m so proud of this team for making it to the final four,” Scaramuzzi said. “We started the season off with just three starters from last year’s state championship team, so to be back here and give the seniors the exit they deserve is really special. I’m proud to be here and how they competed regardless of the outcome.”
The Panthers (22-13) will be a vastly different team next season following another wave of talented players graduating, most notably star senior pitcher Jaelynn Anthony. For the second straight game, Anthony, a Purdue recruit, struggled on the mound, but her coach had no regrets about her starter against Marist despite a blowout defeat to Mundelein in the State semifinal.
“Jaelynn has lead our program to back-to-back-to-back state appearances, she was getting the ball today,” Scaramuzzi said. “She has re-written the record books for this program and will go down as the best pitcher to ever come through. There was no way I wasn’t giving her the ball, but I’m proud of how Adalynn did today.”
The Panthers will most likely led by sophomore second baseman Adalynn Fugitt next season.
Fuggit, who played a key role leading the Panthers to the 4A State championship last season, saw her season end in the dugout, is excited about the final two years of her program.
“It’s been so amazing the last two years,” Fugitt said. “I just want to step into a leadership role. I think I have this year as well. I just want to help the team and be part of this family. I was more aggressive at the plate this year and put in my power swing a lot more.”
Scaramuzzi said Fugitt can handle the pressure of leading the team.
“Adalynn is the core of our group, even as an underclassman,” she said. “She can do it all on defense and at the plate. She will definitely be a key returner next year to lead this squad.
“She has been incredible for us, can bunt, can slap and hit for power. She leads the way on offense and sets a great tone for every game. She makes incredible plays in the field and this year she had a lot of innings on the mound and really held it down.”
Fugitt pitched the final two and two-third innings against Marist, allowing two hits and striking out one. Scaramuzzi said she had no doubt Anthony would be the starter, even after a rough outing in Friday’s State semifinal loss to Mundelein.
Anthony said Fugitt is ready to take the next step in her career.
“Adalynn is a great softball player,” Anthony said. “Obviously, she is striving to fill my shoes, which are big feet. I think she can do it. She has the same drive and is motivated. She can do it.”