In the news... Wednesday Journal
Congratulations to Trinity Blazers the super-sectional Class 3A champions! The Blazers now head down to Peoria to play the 3A state semifinal —Trinity Blazers vs. Breese Mater Dei, 9:30 a.m. Friday, EastSide Centre, East Peoria.
We will send off the team in true Trinity fashion at 11:00 am today.
June 14
The Blazers lost a tough battle to Metamora in the State Finals. We are so proud of their history making season as they became the first team in Trinity's history to make it to the State Finals! GO BLAZERS!
Exerpts from the Chicago Tribune. The Redbirds defeated Trinity 4-2 in the Class 3A state title game. It is their first state championship in softball while the football team has three, including this season in Class 4A.
The Blazers closed within 2-1 after senior Laura Eichenold (2-for-3, 2 R) connected on her second home run of the season. It brought the team's season total to 49 home runs, second in state history after Antioch hit three in the third-place game to rewrite the record at 51.
Gianna Coduti added an RBI single in the sixth to pull the Blazers within 3-2. But an error in the top of the seventh allowed another run for the Redbirds, who took a 4-2 lead into the bottom of the seventh. Pitcher Jodi Rebholz (7 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 9 K) retired the 2-3-4 hitters in order to secure the state title.
"I am still so proud of everybody," Eichenold said. "We all wanted this a lot this year, and we had a lot of heart. We had four freshmen (Nicole Evans, Chase Machain, Abby Ramirez, Gabby Smart) who all really helped out. They all wanted it so much."
The Blazers return five key starters, including Evans (15 HRs), Ramirez (.557 BA) and starting pitcher Machain (24-6)
IN THE NEWS - CHICAGO SUN TIMES
June 9, 2010 BY DICK QUAGLIANO Castellos' day at plate leads Trinity
Trinity hoists the supersectional championship plaque after defeating Guerin.
(Joe Cyganowski/Pioneer Press)
It was all about Trinity's Vivi Castellanos.
Castellanos had a two-run triple and a three-run homer to lead Trinity for the victory past neighborhood-rival Guerin 14-1 in six innings Wednesday in the Class 3A supersectional at Judson University in Elgin.
Trinity (33-5), which pounded out 16 hits, will meet Breese Mater Dei Friday morning in East Peoria.
"We were just ready," said Castellanos, who was 2-for-4. "This was the most prepared we have been all season. We knew their pitcher and that she throws first-pitch strikes. We just jumped on it."
Trinity struck first in the top of the second.
Laura Eichenold led of with a single. She then advanced to third on an infield out and an error. She then scored on Monica Garcia's sacrifice fly.
Guerin (30-6) had a chance to tie in their half of the second. But after three consecutive singles, Anna Cross was thrown out at home on a throw by Giana Coduti.
The Blazers broke it open in the fifth, scoring eight runs as all nine batters got a hit.
Coduti homered to start the inning. Abby Ramirez hit a two-run homer scoring Taylor Golden who singled. Castellanos tripled in both Amanda Ramirez and Nicole Evans, who both singled. Eichenold had a RBI single and scored on Erin Baldwin's single. Baldwin then scored on Monica Garcia's bloop double.
Castellanos had thee three-run homer and Grace Cortina has a two-run inside the park homer.
Chase Machan went the distance for Trinity, allowing five hits and striking out two.
"It took us a little while," Trinity coach Bob Osborne said. "We were tight early. But once we were loose we were ok."
IN THE NEWS - CHICAGO TRIBUNE June 10, 2010
High school softball | 3A Elgin Supersectional: Trinity better late against Guerin
By Bob Narang Special to the Tribune
Trinity needed a few innings to get its high-powered offense rolling.
The Blazers were a bit anxious entering Wednesday's Class 3A Elgin Supersectional. The memories from last year's tough loss to Glenbard South in a supersectional were fresh.
"We were nervous last year and we learned from it," Trinity coach Bob Osborne said. "We were a little tight early today. We just needed to loosen up."
Trinity brushed aside any nerves with an eight-run fifth inning in a 14-1, six-inning victory against Guerin. The Blazers (33-5) will make their first state semifinal appearance at 9:30 a.m. Friday against Breese Meter Dei in East Peoria.
Trinity led 1-0 entering the top of the fifth when Gianna Coduti smashed a leadoff home run. The Blazers had seven consecutive hits off of Guerin starter Sarah Dec (23-4) to break open the game. Abby Ramirez drilled a two-run home run and Vivian Castellanos added a two-run triple.
"We knew what their pitcher had," Castellanos said. "She was throwing first-pitch strikes and we jumped on it."
Castellanos capped the scoring with a three-run homer over the left-field scoreboard in the sixth. The Blazers hit three home runs to raise their season total to 45. Trinity freshman Chase Machain allowed six hits in six innings to improve to 24-5.
"We felt we were the better team and just needed to loosen up," Osborne said. "Gianna's home run got us loose. Once we're loose, we can hit."
Player of the game: Vivian Castellanos, Trinity, 2-for-4, triple, 3-run HR.
Key performers: Guerin — Anna Kross, 2-for-3; Molly Campbell 1-for-3, RBI. Trinity — Chase Machain, 6 IP, 6 H, 2 SO; Abby Ramirez, 2-for-3, 2-run HR.
Next: 3A state semifinal —Trinity vs. Breese Mater Dei, 9:30 a.m. Friday, EastSide Centre, East Peoria
June 8
Trinity Blazers softball beat Riverside Brookfield to become Sectional Champions!!! Trinity now faces neighboring Guerin Prep High School in the Super Sectionals at Judson College in Elgin at 5PM. Come cheer on the Blazers as they battle to go downstate!!!
May 17
The JV Blazers are the 2010 GCAC Red Division Champions for the first time in school history! The Blazers had a very successful weekend defeating Mother McAuley 3-2 in entra innings Friday night. The Blazers got off to a hot start against the Macs scoring 2 runs in the first inning. However, the game then became a pitching duel. The Macs tied the game in the bottom of the seventh and the game headed to extra innings. In the top of the Ninth inning with 2 outs Junior Chanal Carlisle ripped a double to center field, one pitch later Freshman Gabby Smart ripped a triple to right field which scored the winning run for Trinity and earned them a spot in the championship game. Sophomore Brittany Bura pitched a marvelous game giving up only one earned run to the Macs.
On Saturday The JV Blazers took on the Ressurection Bandits in the Championship game. The Bandits scored twice in the second inning putting the JV Blazers down two, but steady pitching and great defense kept the Blazers within striking distance. Heading into the 6th inning the Blazers were still down 2 runs, The Blazers exploded for 4 runs in the sixth highlighted by RBI singles by Sophmore Taylor Lang and Freshman Gaby Paravicini. The Blazers also scored an additional 3 runs in the seventh inning putting the game out of reach for the Bandits and earning Trinity its first JV GCAC Red Division Championship by a score of 7-3. The Blazers have a record of 22 wins and 5 losses with their final games of the season this weekend against St. Francis of Wheaton! Congratulations Blazers!
May 13
Our Varsity Softball Team defeated Queen of Peace 10-0 yesterday in the first round of the GCAC Red Tournament.
The Blazers jumped out to a quick 5 - 0 lead in the first inning. With flawless defense and excellent pitching by Freshman Chase Machain the Blazers kept Peace out of the game.
The Blazers went into the bottom of the 5th inning with a 7 – 0 lead. With one out and 2 runners on base Senior Second Baseman Vivi Castellanos hit a 3-run homerun over the left-center field fence to end the game.
Trinity’s next opponent in the tournament is De La Salle. The winner of this game plays for the Tournament Championship this weekend.
Because of the rain we are not sure about game dates and time. Listen for future announcements. We will get all the details to you when they become available.
Good Luck and Go BLAZERS Softball!
River Forest (Trinity) Regional
Triton College
2000 N 5th Ave
River Grove
Manager: Steve Messina
Phone: 708-453-8394
Fax: 708-771-8463
E-mail: smessina@trinityhs.org
Tue., May 25
Game 1 at 4:30 pm: (3) River Forest (Trinity) vs. (14) Chicago (Clark)
Wed., May 26
Game 2 at 4:30 pm: (6) Evergreen Park vs. (10) Chicago (Little Village)
Sat., May 29
Game 3 at 12:00 noon: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
May 4
Congratulations to the Trinity Varsity Softball Team and Coaches as The Chicago Tribune has the Blazers ranked 10th in the Chicagoland High School Softball Rankings. GO BLAZERS! Chicago Tribune softball rankings, May 3 - chicagotribune.com
Olivia Roback and Rebecca Walz are slugging the Grenadiers to the top of the Mid-Suburban League.3. Fremd 18-2 (2)Vikings felt the wrath of Elk Grove's slugging in first MSL loss.4. Oak Forest 23-3 ( 6)Bengals belt five
April 28
The Varsity Blazers beat Ridgewood 18-2. The Blazers were led by Francesca Chimera who was 1 for 2 with a 3 run homerun. Vivi Castellanos was 2 for 2 with a 3 run homer and 4 rbi's. Meagan Bura was 2 for 2 with two rbi's. Monica Garcia threw 3 innings with 5 strikeouts. Marikate Marino threw the final 2 innings and had 4 strikeouts. The Blazers are now 18-2.
The Blazers also clinched 1st place in the GCAC red division for the first time in school history. The Blazers finished their conference schedule this year with a 7-1 record. The Blazers were led in Conference by Freshman Chase Machain. Chase was 6-1 in Conference. Pitcher Monica Garcia also pitched great in conference. Monica had 3 saves in conference. Offensively the Blazers were led by Amanda Ramirez who hit.677 with 10 stolen bases. Vivi Castellanos hit 4 homers with 15 rbi's. Nicole Evans hit 5 homers with 16 rbi's. Abby Ramirez hit .559 with 3 triples and 3 homeruns. The Blazers play St. Joe's on Thursday at 4:30 at Triton College.
The JV Softball Blazers defeated Ridgewood by a score of 10-0. Sophomore Brittany Bura and Junior Chanal Carlisle closed down the visiting Rebel's offense with strong pitching performances. Freshman Gianna DeLaPiedra was 2-3 with a double and an RBI. Additionally, Freshmen Moira Bonadonna and Bridget Healy had big hits to get things rolling. The JV Blazers are now 18-5 and will be in action today versus St Joeseph at Willard School. Game time is 4:30.
Trinity gains revenge vs. Glenbard South
April 26, 2010 BY MATT LE CREN, Chicago Tribune
Abby Ramirez watched from the stands last June as Trinity’s best season ever ended with a 3-0 Class 3A supersectional loss to Glenbard South.
On Monday, the freshman shortstop helped the Blazers exact some revenge, going 3-for-4 with two triples, two runs scored and two runs batted in as host Trinity (17-2) rallied from a 5-1 deficit to beat Glenbard South 6-5.
“We weren’t going to give up,” Ramirez said. “I’m really proud of everyone. I knew it was going to be a good game, so I came ready.”
Glenbard South (16-2), which has lost two of its last three games after a 15-0 start, scored four runs in the top of the second thanks to RBI singles from Jackie Wrona, Tess DiIorio and Brianna Meath and a sacrifice fly by Amanda Fazzari. But the Raiders stranded two runners in that inning and two more in the next, when they scored only one run despite getting three hits.
Ramirez, Trinity’s leadoff hitter, got the rally started by leading off the bottom of the third with a triple to right. She scored on a single by her senior sister, Amanda, who then went to second on a wild pitch and stole third before Vivi Castellanos knocked her in with a single to cut the gap to 5-3.
A walk and a dropped fly ball gave Abby Ramirez another chance in the fourth and the rookie smashed another triple off Raiders pitcher Jess Wilkes (11-1) that one-hopped the right-field fence to tie the game. She then scored on a squeeze bunt by Amanda Ramirez.
“(The Ramirez sisters) are both batting over .500 and Abby, for her size, has a lot of power,” Trinity coach Bob Osborne said. “I think she’s got eight triples and three home runs. She hits that gap, it’s a triple every time.”
Glenbard South coach Julie Fonda certainly was impressed.
“She’s the real deal and I wish I can say I had a freshman I could walk out to shortstop and say, ‘See you in four years,’” Fonda said. “She’s going to be a heckuva player.”
After struggling early, freshman pitcher Chase Machain (11-2) retired 12 straight hitters before giving up a two-out single to Jennifer Wittenberg in the seventh. She then retired Jane Trzaska on a grounder to third to end it.
The two teams could meet again in the Glenbard South Sectional.
“(Today) was a good taste, but as I told (the Raiders), in five weeks it’s going to matter,” Fonda said. “We’re going to get another chance at Trinity. I’m pretty confident about that.”
Trinity roundup: Blazers' Robinson beginning to heat up
April 19, 2010
by Dan Courier of the Pioneer Press
The stronger Chase Machain pitches, the better Trinity becomes.
The Blazers are proving to be, perhaps, the best team in the near-west suburban area after winning three more games last week to improve to 13-2 overall and 6-1 in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference.
Machain, a freshman, earned two of the three wins to improve to 8-2 on the season. Her biggest win of the young season occurred April 15 when Trinity soundly defeated defending IHSA state champion Loyola Academy 13-5 at Triton College. Machain gave up one earned run on six hits and struck out six in 5 1/3 innings.
Machain got plenty of help from the Blazers' offense, led by Vivi Castellanos, who went 4-for-4 with two doubles, a triple and a two-run homer. Monica Garcia added a three-run blast, and Taylor Golden connected on a two-run shot.
Machain's second win of the week came in a 16-3 victory in five innings against St. Ignatius in the first game of a doubleheader April 17.
Again, the Blazers relied on strong hitting, with Nicole Evans going 4-for-4, including four RBIs, capped by a two-run homer. Amanda Ramirez also belted a two-run homer and Castellanos added another.
Trinity took the nightcap 13-3 in six innings. Evans slammed her second homer of the day, driving in three runs and Castellanos added a three-run shot.
Trinity is at Fenwick at 5 p.m. Thursday and will play a twin bill on Saturday against visiting Regina Dominican, beginning at 11 a.m. at Triton. The Blazers will play host to Glenbard South on April 26 and Ridgewood on April 28. Both games begin at 4:30 p.m
April 23
Varsity Softball beat Fenwick 5-4 on Thursday bringing there record to 15-2 on the season. The Blazers were down a run going into the last inning when Abby Ramirez led off with a double. Amanda Ramirez bunted her over and Nicole Evans hit a Sacrifice fly to deep left to drive in Abby to tie the game. Vivi Castellanos came up to bat next and hit a long home run to left field to give the Blazers the lead. Chase Machain pitched four great innings to get the win. Meagan Bura threw out a baserunner from Fenwick who was trying to steal 3rd to end the game. The Blazers play Regina on Saturday at 11am at Triton.
The JV Blazers defeated the Fenwick Friars last night by a score of 7-2. Once again Sophomore Brittany Bura contained the opposing teams hitters with a gritty pitching performance. She was helped out by Freshman Shortstop Shannon McGinnis who made 4 dazzling defensive plays ending several Fenwick threats. Freshman Ashley Klauss was 3-4 with 2 runs scored and 2 doubles. Freshman Kira Bezak had a big RBI to help seal the win, and Freshman Gaby Paravicini scored 2 runs on some excellent baserunning. The JV Blazers are now 16-4 and take on GCAC rival Regina Dominican Saturday at 11 AM.
April 19
Thursday we played Loyola we won 13-5. Chase Machain pitched and gave up 1er in 51/3 innings. Struck out 3 and gave up 6 hits earning the win. Monica Garcia through the final 1 2/3 innings for the save. Vivi Castellanos was 4/4 with 4 ribi's hitting 2 doubles, a triple and a 2 run homer. Monica Garcia went 2/4 with a 3 run homer. Taylor Golden also went yard with a 2 run homer.
On Saturday we played St. Ignatius in a DH. Game one was a conference game. The Blazers won 16-3 in 5 innings. We were up 14-0 in the 3rd innings. Nicole Evans was 4/4 with 2 homeruns and 4 rbi's. Vivi Castellanos was 4/4 with a homerun. Amanda Ramirez was 3/4 with 3 runs scored and a two run homer. Gianna Coduti was also 3/4 with 1 run scored. Chase Machain earned the win going 8-2 on the season.
Game 2 Trinity won 13-3 in 6 innings. Abby Ramirez was 4/4 with 3 runs scored. Nicole Evans was 2 for 3 with a 3 run homer. Francesca Chimera was 2 for 4 with two singles. Vivi Castellanos was 1 for 3 with a 3 run homer.
We are now 13-2 on the Season and 6-1 in Conference.
April 12
Congratulations to the Trinity Varsity Softball Team and Coaches as The Chicago Sun-Times, Monday, April 12th, has the Blazers ranked 9th in the Chicagoland High School Softball Rankings.
Trinity is very proud of your accomplishments!!!!!
April 12
Varsity: Over the Easter Break the Blazers went 6-1. The Varsity is now 10-1 overall and 4-1 in the GCAC Red. The Blazers started the break by splitting a Double Header with DeLaSalle. The Blazers lost their only game of the year 5-4. The Blazers bounced back in game 2 with an 11-7 win. We were led by Meg Bura who hit her first home run.
On April 5 we beat Queen of Peace 10-1. Amanda Ramirez and Erin Baldwin were both 3for 4 with an rbi. Nicole Evans was 3 for 4 with a 2 run homer.
On April 6th the Blazers played a Double Header vs Mt Assisi. We won both games. Game one was 6-4. Marikate Marino picked up the win and Monica Garcia picked up the save. Abby Ramirez was 3 for 4 with an rbi. Gianna Coduti was 1for 3 with a 1st inning home run.
Game 2 we squeaked out a 3-2 win. Marikate Marino picked up the win pitching all 7 innings with 3 strikeouts. On Friday night under the lights at Elmwood Park the Blazers beat EP 11-1 in five innings. We were led by Freshman Pitcher Chase Machain. She pitched 5 innings and gave up 1 hit and 1 earned run. Elmwood Park jumped out to an early 1-0 lead but in the 3rd inning Monica Garcia tied it with a long homerun. The Blazers took the lead later in the inning on a wild pitch that scored Gianna Coduti. The Blazers exploded for 9 runs in the top of the fifth. The big hit was a 3 run homer by Senior Taylor Golden.
Trinity travels to Oak Park on Tuesday at 4:30. Trinity has a home game Thursday vs Loyola at 5:00 at Triton.
JV: We had a very successful spring break on the JV level. We won all six games and every kid got significant playing time. Currently we are 12-1. We are also 4-1 in the GCAC red division. Sophomore, Brittany Bura, has been overpowering most of this season including spring break. She is currently 7-1 as starter. Freshmen Ashley Klauss and Gaby Smart have also done very well as the 2nd and 3rd pitchers on our team. Offensively we are a very explosive team and have scored no less than 5 runs in any game we have played. We will continue to work hard and get better everyday!
March 29
Trinity defeated Resurrection on Friday by a score of 6-0. The team was led by Freshman pitcher Chase Machain who pitched 7 innings and gave up only 3 hits. Chase is now 3-0 on the season. The Blazers hit 3 homeruns on the day. Vivi Castellanos hit a two run homer in the first inning to give the Blazers the lead. Vivi now has 14 rbi's in the blazers first 4 games. Abby Ramirez hit a solo homer in the 3rd inning and Nicole Evans hit a 2 run homer in the 5th inning. Amanda Ramirez was also 3 for 4 on the day with 2 runs scored. The blazers take on GCAC rivals Mother McAuley on Monday at 5pm at Triton College. The Blazers are now 4-0 on the season.
March 24
Trinity defeated Timothy Christian 14-0 in 5 innings. The Blazers opened up the game in the 3rd inning. The Blazers were already up 4-0 when they scored 7 times in the 3rd. The inning was highlighted by a two run homer by Nicole Evans. The winning pitcher was Chase Machain. She gave up only one hit in 3 innings and struck out 6. Marikate Marino finished the game with 2 strong innings. 0 hits and 2 strikeouts. Vivi Castellanos was 4 for 4 with 5 rbi's. Laura Eichenold was 2 for 2 with 2 rbi's and 4 runs scored. Trinity is now 3-0 on the season.
March 23
Wednesday Journal By BRAD SPENCER Sports Editor
Blazers ready to scorch again
Team returns bulk of order from record-setting season
GIRLS SOFTBALL
With the amount of success the Trinity softball team had last season - the team broke the school record for wins with 25 - the Blazers are ready to ride that momentum through the 2009-10 campaign. And who's to say the team may not break the same record again this time around?
Trinity returns seven starters from a team that went 25-14 overall and made it as far as a Class 3A Supersectional last season. Of the super-seven returning, catcher Laura Eichenold, outfielder Amanda Ramirez and second baseman Vivian Castellanos are now seniors wielding some pretty big bats. Eichenold batted .462 last season with six homers and 28 RBIs. Ramirez swiped 31 bases. Castellanos belted seven homers and drove in 35 RBIs while batting to a .374 clip.
Others back this season for the Blazers include third baseman Taylor Golden (.970 fielding percentage), pitcher Monica Garcia (5-2, 3.16 ERA) and first baseman Erin Baldwin (.365 batting average).
If that doesn't seem like enough firepower for the Blazers, the team also welcomes three freshmen to varsity this season that are soon to be considered Division I recruits. Chase Machain, Nicole Evans and Abby Ramirez are expected to find starting spots as the lineup shapes up. Machain, a pitcher who plays travel ball, throws in the 60 mph range, according to Trinity head coach Bob Osborne.
With such a strong lineup, the Blazers will try to improve on last season's third place finish in the always tough Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Red Division. Loyola, last season's Class 4A state champs, is expected to again compete for the top spot in the conference, but Trinity, Mother McAuley and Mt. Assisi should be nipping at the Ramblers' heels.
As for another postseason run, Osborne is optimistic his team can sustain a further drive into the playoffs.
"We expect to build upon our sectional championship from last year, and we expect to win up to 30 games this year," said Osborne, who holds a 118-88 coaching record in six years at Trinity. "With our seven starters returning and the three great freshmen, we plan on being one of the last four teams standing in 3A."
The Blazers, who crushed Walter Lutheran 14-0 in five innings to start the season last week, are scheduled to host Timothy Christian today (Wednesday, March 24) at Triton College (4:30 p.m.). They'll travel to area-rivals OPRF on April 13 (4:30 p.m.) and Fenwick on April 22 (5 p.m.).
March 15 By DAN CURRIER PIONEER PRESS
Trinity shooting for the moon in 2010
GIRLS SOFTBALL -- How can Trinity top last season's success? By continuing to press on and make it to the IHSA state finals.
That's the goal Bob Osborne has for his 2010 team. Osborne, who's entering his seventh season at the helm, has known nothing but success with the Blazers. He's compiled a 118-88 record in six years, with five regional championships and one sectional title.
Osborne, a Chicago police officer by profession, took the Blazers to the IHSA Elgin Supersectional in 2009 before they bowed out to Glenbard South 4-0. Trinity finished third in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Red Division behind Class 4A state champion Loyola, and conference runner-up Resurrection.
During the regular season, Trinity compiled a school-best 25-14 overall record and won the first sectional title in team history, defeating area rival Elmwood Park 12-4.
While 2009 was a huge success, Osborne said that this season could be even better.
"We expect to win up to 30 games," Osborne said. "With seven starters returning and three outstanding freshmen joining the team, we plan on being one of the last four standing in Class 3A."
The biggest loss the Blazers suffered was the graduation of all-state selection Monica Albano. Albano was all-everything in her four years at Trinity, including finishing her basketball career as the all-time leading scorer with more than 2,000 points.
Replacing her on the softball diamond won't be easy, but Osborne said that freshman left fielder/shortstop Nicole Evans has the talent to fill Albano's shoes. Evans is a solid hitter and has experience from playing with the Illinois Chill during the summer months.
Evans, along with pitcher Chase Machain and shortstop Abby Ramirez, are three freshmen expected to start for the Blazers.
Other top returnees are senior catcher/second baseman Laura Eichenold, senior center fielder Amanda Ramirez and senior second baseman Vivian Castellanos. Eichenold and Ramirez were both all-conference selections in the GCAC Red last year, while Castellanos batted .374 with seven home runs, 35 RBIs and 29 runs.
Other team members are Francesca Chimera, Gianna Coduti, Marykate Marino, Taylor Golden, Megan Bura and Monica Garcia. Harry Johnson, Rosaria Cicchetti and Sean Daly serve as assistant coaches, and Emma Jolliff-Blake is the team manager.
