Stevenson Gymnastics Star Can Also Play Softball

There were no scouting reports available about the left-fielder. That's because junior Allison Castriano hasn't been able to suit up for games following an injury.

Of course, fans of an indoor sport know full well who this is. As a sophomore, Castriano was the state champion in the balance beam. So what's this gymnastics star doing playing softball anyway?

"It's all about the team,'' Castriano said. "My teammates and I are always laughing."

If you bring gymnastics scoring to this spring sport, Castriano would score a few 10s for her three straight singles and RBI on Wednesday. Stevenson (3-0) earned its second straight 5-2 decision over Libertyville.

Castriano's bat was in the middle of three run scoring innings. She singled and scored on a Bridget Poetker base hit in the second inning. Her next at-bat produced a run-scoring hit. Her third single of the day came in the fifth inning.

All of this hitting seemed to settle down freshman pitcher Katherine Trotter. Making her first varsity appearance ever, Trotter scattered eight hits and struck out eight in her complete game effort.

"I asked her if she was as nervous as she was two-and-half hours ago,'' Stevenson coach Larry Friedrichs said. "She sure didn't show it. She's been throwing well in practice, but this was her first varsity innings."

Friedrichs pointed out that young Trotter is studying her craft with pitching coach Elissa Wisniewski. She won 99 games in a Stevenson uniform and is the school's all-time leading pitcher.

The other pitcher on the Stevenson pitching staff is also young. Sophomore Sam Feder joins Trotter in the rotation.

"Those girls are sponges,'' Friedrichs said. "All they need to do is to listen to Wiz."

Also helping the Patriots hitting attack on Wednesday were Cailin Rubenstein (two hits) and Allie Jobes (two hits). Eight of the nine Stevenson batters reached base at least once.

The Patriots have made some changes to their defense this spring. A year ago, Emma Patrash, Ashley Niedermayer and Heather Cohen all played outfield. Now, Patrash is stationed at short stop, Niedermayer at third and Cohen at first.

"Those girls were awesome in the outfield last year,'' Friedrichs said. "Now they are awesome in the infield."