It was a very long weekend for the Mundelein Thunder 16U team. But in the end it was worth it as the 16s took first place at the 2008 Heartland Shootout ASA Northern Nationals Qualifier in East Moline, Illinois.
Saturday was the most taxing, with three pool games plus the first bracket game occuring over a period of 15 hours and 20 minutes. The first game started at 8:00 AM, and the final game of the day, originally scheduled for 8:00 PM, started roughly a half hour later, getting the Thunder back to its hotel after 10:00 PM.
In pool play, the Thunder 16s earned the #3 seed by virtue of its outstanding pitching from Jessica Capko and Kimmie Krause, along with a stingy defense that made the plays when it had to. The Thunder earned the high seed in a multi-team tie based on having the lowest total runs allowed (9).
It was in bracket play that night that the Thunder really started making its run. After falling behind 3-0 early to the Oak Forest Outlaws, the Thunder got two runners on base. Emma Zupec stepped to the plate and cracked a triple to the fence in right-center field to give the Thunder a 4-3 lead.Then it was up to the defense. In the final innings, this was the only game happening at the park; with each pitch in the final inning an eerie silence would fall over the field as everyone held their breath for the outcome. Finally, with two outs, Krause struck out the final Outlaws hitter to seal the victory.
In the semi-finals, the Thunder faced #2 seed Northern Illinois Lightning, who had yet to taste defeat in the tournament. This time the Thunder came out early, posting a three-run lead against a tough team. In the bottom of the final inning, however, the Lightning got hot and posted three runs to tie the game 3-3. Only an outstanding, game-saving catch on a wind-blown ball in right field by Carla Wilson prevented the Thunder from taking the loss. At that point it went to the International tie breaker.
In the top half of the inning, the Thunder started with a runner on second. She advanced to third on a ground out, but then was unable to score when the next hitter grounded back to the pitcher. It was at this point that Michelle Mitchem stepped to the plate. With the game on the line she cranked a double to left center, plating the go-ahead run. Now it was the Lightning's turn. They advanced their runner with a bunt, for the first out. Then pitcher Capko induced the next hitter to pop up to the infield. In a replay of the night before, with a runner on third and two outs Capko struck out the last hitter for the end to a nail-biter that put the Thunder in the championship game.
The final game, against #1 seed (and again previously undefeated) Bureau County Blaze, had considerably less drama thanks to the Thunder's "shock and awe" offensive performance against arguably the best pitcher they'd seen in the tournament. Eden Warnke showed the way with a lead-off hit, and Stephanie Youngman and Capko followed suit. While the Thunder didn't score that inning the table was set. The team eventually would score nine runs on a triple from Capko and doubles from Krause, Warnke, Youngman and Capko. Continuing a tournament of stingy defense, the Thunder held the Blaze scoreless, mercy ruling them in five innings 9-0. Krause again took the victory.
While there were several outstanding defensive plays, the key was a running catch in right center by Kathleen Trychta. Demonstrating why she is nicknamed The Gazelle, she came out of nowhere to catch a sinking fly ball at her knees on a dead run to preserve the shutout.
The capper on the day was the final out. As Hillary Hamblin moved in and to her left to field a bouncing ground ball, a huge smile broke out across her face as she knew the victory was sealed. And it only got wider as she fired across the infield to Khushali Rami at first to end the game.
It was truly a team effort throughout the weekend. Outstanding catching from Melissa Diaz and Zupec throughout the long weekend helped lead the defense. Diaz also popped a double, while Kaylin Schaibly and Lindsey Davis contributed key hits to help the Thunder earn the #3 seed and get to the championship game. Given that the Thunder was also working without one of its pitchers and top hitters in Katy Durr, it really showed how the team pulled together to earn the victory.
Are you a former high school or college softball player who misses the game? Or perhaps a current college player who is thinking about coaching as a career? Or someone who just wants to give back to the game that has created so much opportunity for you? If so, the Mundelein Thunder could be the place to be!
We are currently seeking thos who fit the above descriptions to join the Thunder coaching staff for the 2009 season. We have opportunities at all levels, from 10U through 18U. No previous coaching experience is required - we will train you. Special preference will be given to former Thunder players, but all are welcome. What you really need is a love for the game and desire to help our fastpitch softball players build and improve their skills, raise their confidence level, learn what it means to be a good teammate, and do what it takes to win.
Be part of the Thunder excitement! If interested, please contact Bill T'Niemi at thunder786@comcast.net or call him at 847-566-1109.
Calling All Former and Current College Players: Mundelein Thunder Looking for Assistant Coaches
