Red Raiders keep 3-year FVC rule

HUNTLEY – Huntley senior Jori Heard stepped into the pitching circle for her final regular season home game Saturday morning.

Heard threw a gem as she retired 17 Jacobs hitters via strikeout for a perfect game showing in a 4-0 win. It was her fourth perfect game this season and the Valparaiso University recruit has an ERA of 0.420.

Heard and fellow seniors outfielder Zoe Doherty, who will play at Cardinal Stritch next season; shortstop Reese Hunkins who will attend the University of Illinois and Lauren Ryan and their parents all were honored as the Fox Valley season closed out. They were contributors to head coach Mark Petryniec’s teams success over their years, a Class 4A state title in 2019 and third place last season.

With Saturday’s win the Red Raiders were 25-5, unbeaten at 18-0 in the Fox Valley Conference for had secured a league title earlier. It marked two straight perfect FVC seasons and a 42-game loop win streak.

Against Jacobs the offense was keyed by junior Madison Smith’s fifth home run. Junior Clara Hudgens, junior Alyssa Eckstrom had two hits and Hunkins had one.

The Red Raiders fell to 26-4 as they suffered a loss in a 1-0 non-conference decision to Antioch on May 16. The loss ended a 15-game win streak for HHS. Heard struck out 10 and walked two in a four-hitter.

Recent efforts included a 4-0 shutout of Crystal Lake South. Heard fanned 12 Gators in a one-hitter. Sophomore Meghan Ryan led the offense with two hits.

The Class 3A post-season begins at the DeKalb regional against the Barbs at 4:30 p.m. May 24. The regional final is May 27 and Huntley will host a sectional tournament.

Notable statistics: Hunkins is hitting .398 and has 28 RBIs; Meghan Ryan has 25 RBIs and Smith 23. Speedy junior Katie Mitchell has 43 stolen bases.  Heard chalked up 27 RBIs and hit 20 doubles.