Fremd defeats New Trier in Rolling Meadows super sectional

The win sends the Vikings to the state's final four for the second straight year.

Published By John Juettner on 6/07/2010

Fremd players celebrate their super sectional win over New Trier.
Story and Photos By: John Juettner
      Let’s just put it this way: no New Trier base runner touched second base.
      That’s a pretty solid indicator that Fremd senior pitcher Lena Brottman was pitching a great game in Monday’s super-sectional contest at Rolling Meadows High School.
      A couple other indicators were she allowed only three hits, and she struck out 12 batters.
      All of those things, plus the simple fact that it is impossible to score when you don’t touch second base.
      The Viking hitters were able to squeeze out some late runs after New Trier pitcher Kelsey Lee had shut them down in some early scoring chances, and defeat the Trevians 4-0 to advance to the state’s final four for the second consecutive season.
      “We talked about our mission, and what we wanted to get done, and we’re not done yet,” Fremd coach Jim Weaver said. “This is something these seniors deserve. Our entire roster up and down worked so hard this season and this off-season. They did everything we asked them to do. We’re real proud.”
      Brottman credited some great defense to keep her numbers looking so nice against New Trier, specifically a great running catch by centerfielder Tess Dinterman (2-for-3, two runs scored) in the third inning.
      “Everything was working for me, but that’s thanks to Kristine (Werling) behind the plate,” Brottman said. “She makes the pitches look pretty. She makes my job easy.”
      Werling also went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk.
      Lee kept Fremd at bay early. The Vikings were able to get runners into scoring position in the first, third, and fourth innings, but were unable to capitalize each time.
      It wasn’t until the top of the fifth when senior first baseman Lauren Zaworski (2-for-4, one RBI) drilled a fly ball to left field with the bases loaded that the scoring broke open.
      “That was very exciting for me, and I was just glad to help the team out,” Zaworski said.
      When the ball first jumped off Zaworski’s bat it looked like it might have enough juice in it to clear the left-field fence for a grand slam. Instead in landed in the mitt of the New Trier left fielder. The fly-out allowed Dinterman to score from third, though.
      “I was so disappointed,” Zaworski said. “I was like, I just got under it. I just tried to take it where it was pitched. I just knew I had to get it out into the outfield.”
      Fremd showed its resiliency by not getting down on itself or giving in to frustration by not taking advantage of the early inning opportunities.
      “These kids are mentally tough,” Weaver said. “We push them in practice to be mentally tough. They are great kids. They are high character kids, and that’s why we try to keep kids with great character because they can handle pressure. They’re used to it.”
      The sixth inning saw the Vikings plate three runs, padding the lead and giving Brottman some serious breathing room.
      “As soon as we got the first one, that was good and I could breathe,” Brottman said. “But four runs, I’ll take any insurance runs I can get. That was awesome. Still, they (New Trier) are an amazing offensive lineup, and I still felt like it was a 0-0 game.”
      Zaworski said returning to the state’s final four has been a goal for the Vikings since the start of the year.
      “It’s so special that all the seniors could have this one more time,” Zaworski said. “And with such a talented younger group too. We just have a special team chemistry, and that makes a huge difference with winning teams.”
      Fremd’s goal checklist is just about complete, there’s just that one goal left at the end.
      “That last one,” Zaworski said. “Same like we’ve done all year, just like Mr. Weaver said, we’re going to enjoy each win as we go, but be focused and prepare for each game as it comes.”
      The Vikings will take on the winner of Tuesday’s Elgin super sectional between Elk Grove and Cary-Grove in Friday’s state semifinal match in Peoria.

Fremd poses with its super sectional trophy.

Fremd first baseman Lauren Zaworski prepares to hit.

Fremd pitcher Lena Brottman readies to throw.