Softball: West Aurora Upsets Romeoville in Regional Opener

Touching All the Bases: With the wind blowing in, defense and pitching became paramount. West Aurora delivered with both, led by starter Franny Evischi, who went the distance, striking out eight in a two-hit performance. The Blackhawks stuck to small ball, dropping three critical runs in the fifth to pull away from the Spartans. 

Patch’s MVP: Franny Evischi, West Aurora. She confounded and perplexed the Spartans for almost the entire game on the mound. She was perfect through three and had a no-hitter through four. Her only run allowed was unearned, and she was 1-for-4 with an RBI double in the three-run fifth. 

West Aurora’s Leaders: In addition to Evischi: Leadoff hitter LaRi Mitchell went 2-for-3 with three runs scored and a stolen base.

Romeoville’s Leaders: Catcher Hattie Holland went 1-for-3 and scored the team’s only run. Starting pitcher Melissa Guzior had a solid day on the mound, throwing seven innings, allowing three earned runs and striking out five. 

Quotable I: Spartans coach Christina Douglas: “They had the speed on their side, and we couldn’t defend against it.” 

Quotable II: Blackhawks coach Sarah Nagy on Evischi’s performance: “She gets a little deep in counts sometimes, but she pulls it out because she believes in herself.” 

What’s Next: West Aurora will play Naperville Central at home on Tuesday. Romeoville’s season is over. 

Team Records: West Aurora is 6-26. Romeoville finished the season at 11-18.