Homer holds up for PFC

PLAINFIELD -- Big-time players deliver big plays.

Plainfield Central High School senior shortstop Stephanie Kirkpatrick is a big-time player.

The University of Michigan-bound Kirkpatrick blasted a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning Thursday. Her homer off the top of the scoreboard in left field held up for a 1-0 victory over Minooka in Southwest Suburban Conference play.

"Stephanie laid back on the pitch and got all of that homer," Plainfield coach Anne Campbell said. "Little did we know at the time that it would end up being a 1-0 game."

Kirkpatrick also doubled. Winning pitcher Brittany Adcox (3-0) went the distance for the Wildcats (3-0, 2-0), striking out 5, allowing 5 hits and walking 2. Kelly Chesnut (3-2) scattered 4 hits around a yield of 4 strikeouts and no walks for the Indians (6-3, 1-1).

Solid defense came into play for the Wildcats in the third inning. Plainfield catcher Robyn Chearo threw a runner out trying to steal and outfielder Felicia Camacho also caught a runner trying to advance. The Indians had runners on first and second when the Wildcats eliminated the lead runner.

"We came up with some good defensive plays in the third inning," Campbell said.

The Wildcats host Joliet Township at 4:30 p.m. today.

Lockport 6, Glenbard West 5 (8 innings) -- At Lockport, the Porters (4-1) scored 2 runs in the eighth inning to pull out the nonconference win. Amanda Stanton tied the game with a leadoff homer. Brittany Bochenek, who was 4-for-4 with 2 RBIs, singled home Samantha Stanicek with the the final run. Stanicek, who was 4-for-5 with 2 RBIs, singled and was sacrificed to second base. She advanced to third on a wild pitch.

Dana Bowler was the winner in relief. Katelyn Braget and Maggie Dugan added 2 hits and RBIs.

Plainfield North 8, Romeoville 3 -- At Plainfield, the Tigers (3-1, 2-0) had 14 hits in the Southwest Prairie win. Collecting 2 hits for North were Bridget Glasgow, BreAnna McGuire, Gabby Giovannini and Caitlyn Anderson. Brittany Priocello (2-1) was the winning pitcher.

Plainfield South 4, Morris 1 -- At Joliet, Lauren Hanford had 2 hits and an RBI for the Redskins (3-3, 0-2).

Gardner-South Wilmington 2, Wilmington 1 (8 innings) -- At Gardner, winner Amber Eisha (6-2) struck out 5, allowed 3 hits and walked none. Eisha's single won the game. She had 2 hits, as did Julie Pfeifer for the Panthers (6-2). Chrissy Kovalcik added a key hit.

JJC 5-10, DuPage 3-8 -- At Glen Ellyn, Erica Rodriguez pitched the Game 1 win for the Wolves (6-10, 2-0) in the N4C sweep. Nichole Salazar had 2 hits and 2 RBIs. Kim Breakey added an RBI and Sarah Kessler finished with 2 hits and 3 RBIs.

In Game 2, JJC rallied for 4 runs in the seventh inning to win the game. Kim Samples collected 3 hits and 2 RBIs. Salazar and Valerie Karas registered 2 hits. Breakey drove in 3 runs. Karas had 2 RBIs. Kate Votta pitched the win.