Kintzel, Kaczmar Back for Their Fourth Season

That right side of the diamond looks very familiar. No. 11 in a Libertyville uniform brings a big bat with her during softball season. She's first baseman Toni Kintzel. To her right is second baseman, Danielle Kaczmar.

Yes, it's been four springs since these two girls made the Libertyville varsity. On Wednesday, these two veterans were joined in the Wildcats infield by two fellow seniors, Liz Wilcox (shortstop) and Nicole Kruckman (third base).

Despite at least one hit in every inning but the fifth, the Wildcats (1-5) fell for the second consecutive day to Stevenson. And by the same identical score of 5-2. Losing pitcher Andie Grant deserved better as Libertyville's defense let a few runs in.

"I thought Andie threw a great game,'' said Libertyville coach Mary Tiegs. "She got them to hit the ball.''

The Libertyville offense wasn't shy about swinging the bat on Wednesday. All nine spots in the lineup produced at least one base runner. The Wildcats did notch a tie in the third inning in Lincolnshire. Grant led off the frame with a base hit to left. She stole second base. One out later, Wilcox's sacrifice fly brought her home.

In the fourth inning, three hits produced another Libertyville run. Sophomore catcher Haley Hoeksel singled and scored.

"She hits the ball hard,'' Tiegs said. "She can play shortstop, catcher and center field. She's fast and she understands the game well."

In Tuesday's 5-2 loss at home to Stevenson, the two Wildcats runs came on one swing of the bat. That fence-clearing shot came off the bat of Kintzel.

On Wednesday, the Cats bats managed eight singles and three walks. Also helping the Wildcats attack were Kaczmar (two hits), Kruckman (single and a walk) and Lauren Vogg (single and walk).

"I thought we hit the ball well,'' Tiegs said.

The Wildcats will look for more wins Friday when Niles North visits. On Saturday, Burlington Central is in town for an afternoon doubleheader.