A big week: Perfect pitching, coach’s milestone for softball squad
HUNTLEY – Huntley girls softball players, coaching staff, and fans all had reasons to celebrate after the Red Raiders’ 10-0 win at Prairie Ridge April 28.
The triumph, Huntley’s 16th this season, was not just a Fox Valley Conference win (11-0)because:
The victory was the 400th for head coach Mark Petryniec, who is in his 19th season leading the Red Raiders. His career mark was 400-233.
Senior Jori Heard pitched her third perfect game in a week. First, it was a 1-0 win over Lincoln Way East; then a 10-0 triumph over Crystal Lake Central and the win at PR.
Against the Wolves, she recorded 13 strikeouts and threw 56 pitches. Her strikeout total rose above 200 for the season and led the state.
“Heard was fabulous,” Petryniec said. “Her pitches were moving and working well.”
The offense was led by both home runs and stolen bases, two dingers and six stolen bases against the Wolves.
“Offensively we rely on our team speed and is a big contributor to our success,” Petryniec said.
Heard struck out 10 and gained the pitching win as the Red Raiders downed McHenry 12-1 in league action April 26. Madison Smith and Meghan Ryan each hit home runs in an 11-hit attack.
