Softball: Plainfield East edges Lincoln-Way West

Updated: March 28, 2012 9:03PM

Opportunities were rare during Wednesday’s match-up between upstart Plainfield East and undefeated Lincoln-Way West in Plainfield.

The Bengals made the most of theirs to come away with a 2-1 victory. The win puts the third-year varsity program at 5-1. Lincoln-Way West, also starting its third varsity season, fell to 4-1.

“Walks were the difference in the game,” West coach Heather Novak said. “Plainfield East is a good team, well coached, their pitcher threw strikes and they played well defensively.”

West loaded the bases with one out in both the sixth and seventh innings, but failed to get a hit both times.

“We had runners in scoring position, but didn’t have that hit when we needed it,” Novak said.

“Today, I thought we put together a complete game, for the most part,” East coach Chris Morris said.

One-out walks to Nina Maggio and Jessica Rio in the third inning put the Bengals in business. Annie Molek followed with a two-run double to right-center, giving East a 2-0 lead.

“I had to stay relaxed and I’m trying to fix what I’m doing at the plate,” Molek said. “I haven’t been hitting the ball well. I knew I had to step up. I knew I could do it.”

West cut the lead in half in the sixth. With one out, Myranda Eckberg singled, Jess Kaemerer reached on an error and Sam Magruder singled to load the bases. Kaci Krumreich’s fielder’s choice cut the deficit to 2-1.

In the seventh, a walk, a single by Rachel Luckett, a sacrifice bunt and another walk loaded the bases, again, with one out. Molek fanned the next batter and got the final batter on a groundout.

“Annie did a great job on the mound,” Morris said. “She threw the ball really well today. She was mixing it up and hitting her spots.”

Molek allowed three hits, struck out six and walked two.

“When we play defense like we did today, good things are going to happen,” Molek said. “I’m always confident in them, they are always going to be there for me and have my back. I know they can make the plays.”

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