Huntley Capitalizes on Errors to Hold Off Lincoln-Way Central 6-4

NEW LENOX, Ill. — The Huntley varsity softball team utilized a relentless offensive attack and capitalized on fielding miscues to defeat host Lincoln-Way Central 6-4 in a hard-fought non-conference matchup on Saturday.

The visitors built an early lead and consistently answered whenever Lincoln-Way Central threatened to close the gap. Lyla Ginczycki was the undeniable catalyst for the Huntley offense, finishing with a perfect 3-for-3 performance at the plate. Ginczycki drove in a game-high three runs, scored twice, and drew a walk to anchor the lineup. Keely Fewell also played a critical role in run production, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Lana Hobday contributed a pair of hits, an RBI, and a run scored.

Huntley set the tone immediately, pushing three runs across in the top of the first inning. Lincoln-Way Central showed its resilience by answering with two runs in the bottom of the frame, but Huntley responded with another run in the second to maintain a 4-2 edge.

Despite allowing 13 hits, Lincoln-Way Central junior pitcher Jenna Lee turned in a gutsy complete-game effort that was hampered by defensive struggles. The Knights committed five errors behind her, leading to five unearned runs. Lee officially allowed just one earned run over her seven innings of work, walking one batter and striking out another while relying heavily on ground balls and defensive outs to escape jams.

Lee also led the charge offensively for the Knights, going 3-for-4 at the plate to spark the home team’s lineup. Junior Mia Degliomini provided a major highlight for Lincoln-Way Central, blasting a solo home run and adding a stolen base as part of a two-hit afternoon. Freshman Hope Davis chipped in with a double and crossed the plate twice to keep the Knights in contention.

Trailing 4-3 entering the fifth inning, Lincoln-Way Central allowed Huntley to extend its lead. The visitors plated a pair of crucial insurance runs, stretching their advantage to 6-3. The Knights scratched across one final run in the bottom of the sixth, but they could not complete the late-game rally.

Layla Olson earned the win in the circle for Huntley. The junior pitcher went the distance, navigating through Lincoln-Way Central’s lineup to allow three earned runs. Olson struck out seven batters and issued just two walks over seven strong innings to secure the 6-4 road victory.

Game Summary

Score by Quarters

Scoring Drives

• 1st Inning: Huntley erupts for three early runs; Lincoln-Way Central answers with two to keep the game tight.

• 2nd Inning: Huntley tacks on a single run to extend its lead to 4-2.

• 3rd Inning: Lincoln-Way Central scores to cut the deficit to 4-3.

• 5th Inning: Huntley adds a pair of insurance runs to build a 6-3 advantage.

• 6th Inning: Lincoln-Way Central plates one run, but cannot close the gap further.

Individual Statistics

BATTING:

• Huntley: Lyla Ginczycki (3-3, 3 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB); Keely Fewell (3-4, 2 RBI); Lana Hobday (2-3, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 SB); Avery Collatz (2-4); Morgan Bzdusek (1-4, 1 R); Aubrina Adamik (1-3, 1 R, 1 SB); Katelyn Bayness (1-4, 1 R); Cecilia Romano (1-3).

• Lincoln-Way Central: Jenna Lee (3-4); Mia Degliomini (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 SB); Hope Davis (1-4, 1 2B, 2 R); Audrey Hennings (1-2); L. McLaughlin (1-3, 1 SB); Bridget Barz (1 SB).

PITCHING:

• Huntley: Layla Olson (W, 7.0 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K).

• Lincoln-Way Central: Jenna Lee (L, 7.0 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K).