Softball: Glenbrook South pitcher Jen Zucker smooths way for future success
Glenbrook South's Megan Steil (2) got the throw too late to catch New Trier's Eileen Hurley (10) at third base during the third inning of Thursday's game. | Brian O'Mahoney~for Sun-Times Media
Jen Zucker looks at life in a positive way.
Even though Glenbrook South lost to New Trier 7-0 last week and entered this week with an uncharacteristic under-.500 record, the Glenbrook South senior considers the process to be more important than results this season.
That’s not something usually said by a player in her last year in high school.
But given the Titans’ roster this spring, Glenbrook South’s ace pitcher is realistic about the possibilities.
“We’re a young team, but it’s a great group of girls,” said Zucker, one of two returning starters and three seniors in the starting lineup. “We have a lot of upcoming talent that shows hope for next year’s team.”
Beloit-bound Zucker and the Titans were no-hit by New Trier standout Brigit Ieuter, who will play at Colgate next season.
Glenbrook South coach Kay Sopocy said Zucker pitched well enough to win, but the offense never got going.
The veteran coach started five sophomores against the Trevians, including Megan Steil, Amanda Strapko and Katie Rossman. Strapko hit the ball the hardest, but her line drive in the fifth inning was caught by New Trier second baseman Megan Neuhaus.
“My goal for us is to get better each game, and we accomplished some goals (against New Trier),” said the coach, whose team came into the week 1-1 in the CSL South.
Zucker didn’t even think about her performance as an individual.
“We win as a team, and we lose as a team,” she said. “I know all the girls are trying their best.”
Although Zucker will play softball next season, she didn’t search for colleges based on athletics.
“It was about getting into the right program,” she said. “It’s definitely a bonus to be able to play, but I mainly am going there for my academics.”
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