Wedick stars as Rams claim regional crown

Originally posted on June 4, 2009 by Taylor Bechtold in the Grayslake Review

No doubt, Grayslake Central absorbed its share of punishment throughout a challenging regular season.

The Rams endured more difficult losses than glorious victories with an overall record of 11-24.

But somehow, the team found a way to keep moving forward. Grayslake Central never gave up on the season- even when its record stood at a dismal 5-18 in late April.

As the campaign wore on, the Rams seemed to adopt the relentless attitude of their leader in the circle. And once the postseason began, that senior ace has stepped up and delivered. Monika Wedick fired her second straight shutout of the playoffs, leading the hosts to a 1-0 upset victory over top seeded Lakes in the IHSA Class 3A Grayslake Central Regional championship game on Saturday.

"Our coaches and players have been working really hard these last two seasons to build the program," said Central coach Abbey Tadelman. "It is really rewarding for everyone that we won regionals."

Werdick allowed just two hits against the Eagles, who had beaten the third-seeded Rams twice during the regular season. She struck out three and fielded her position with three putouts and four assists.

Werdick also tossed a complete-game shutout, and Abbie Goetsch drove in four runs, to help Central beat neighborhood rival and No. 2 seed Grayslake North 6-0 earlier last week.

"Monika has been the core of this team," Tadelman said. "She has worked extremely hard with her mental side of the game and she has shown the younger girls what it means to be focused. She plays with heart and believes in herself each game. We've played some tough teams and we've had some tough losses, but she never gives up. We are really going to miss Monika next season."

In the regional final, the Rams managed to push across the winning run in the second inning when Lakes made a throwing error on a sacrifice bunt by Shannon Sarillo in the second inning.

Tory Dohm started the threat with a one-out single to left before Rachel Perkowitz was plunked by a pitch. Dohm then raced home after the Lakes misscue on Sarillo's perfect bunt to the right side.

Sarillo, a junior second baseman, also led the team's flawless defensive effort with four putouts and an assist.

"We had come a long way with our defense since the last time we played them," Tadelman insisted.

The Rams advanced to the Marengo Sectional semifinals, where they'll battle NSC champion Antioch (30-2) at 4 p.m. today.

"Our girls have been really focused," Tadelman insisted. "As long as we show up ready to play like we have been since the first round of regionals, we definitely have a shot against them."

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