OPRF softball on a surge

After losing four consecutive games, the Oak Park and River Forest High School varsity softball team is on a seven-game winning streak, with the latest victory coming on Senior Day, April 26, in a 12-0 crushing of visiting Amundsen in five innings. Maura Carmody (3-for-4) ended things via the run rule with a three-run homer.

“We lost to four teams that have been in the top 10 this year. Those were tough games,” said OPRF coach J.P. Coughlin of the brief slump, “[but] this group isn’t going to stop and let adversity destroy them. They figured it out, and we’ve been playing really good defense this week, which helps.”

Molly Chambers got the win in the circle for the Huskies (18-4), allowing just two hits in five innings. Sofia Ayala went 2-for-3 and had two RBI, and Gloria Hronek and Charlie Terry also drove in two runs apiece.

“We’re averaging just under 12 runs per game,” Coughlin said. “I don’t think there are many in the state who can say that, especially with our schedule and the type of pitching we’ve faced. If our defense can hold solid and with Anna’s (Topel) return on the horizon, we’re going to be pretty tough down the stretch.”

OPRF travels to Glenbard West for a key West Suburban Silver showdown, April 30, then hosts Proviso West on May 2.

OPRF baseball

After a 3-5 start to the season, the OPRF varsity baseball team has won 10 of its past 11 games.

“Everyone starts clicking at a different time,” said OPRF coach Kevin Campbell, “and we’re starting to click. I don’t think we have met our peak yet, but I’m loving the way we’re playing right now.”

On April 26, Brady Green had three hits, including a two-run homer, and drove in four runs as the Huskies (13-6) rolled to an 11-1 victory over host Hinsdale South in five innings. Ethan Moore, whom Campbell said is drawing interest from Major League Baseball scouts, went 3-for-3 with three runs scored, Timmy Leark 2-for-2 with two runs scored, and Joseph Leshnock drove in two runs.

“Guys who came off the bench had really good games, whether it was defensively, on the mound, or at the plate,” Campbell said. “We feel the depth of this team makes it special. Nobody can take a play off or feel too comfortable because there’s a guy right behind him who can get the job done as well.”

OPRF has a busy week ahead with three WSC Silver games and three non-conference games, including the annual East Avenue Showdown against Fenwick at Triton College, May 2, at 6 p.m.

“Even if I wanted to forget about it, no one lets me,” Campbell said of the meeting with the Friars. “Everyone’s excited.”

OPRF girls water polo

The OPRF varsity girls water polo team won the Homewood-Flossmoor Quad, April 26, in impressive fashion, taking all three matches.

In the opener with Argo, Jada Noyes and Lucy Vander Griend each scored three goals and Ellen Claud added two as the Huskies (13-7) rolled to a 13-3 victory. Abi Ago made five saves in goal while Zoie Segbawu added three saves.

In OPRF’s second match, Maeve Gibbs and Claire McFarlin had three goals apiece and Noyes two in a 14-5 victory over Chicago University High. Segbawu made 10 saves, playing all but two minutes, as Ago left with an injury.

In the finale of the round-robin format, McFarlin and Vander Griend each scored four goals and Noyes tallied two more as the Huskies routed host H-F 12-2. Segbawu had seven saves, and Ago returned to make four saves.

OPRF travels to Hudsonville, Michigan, for the Hudsonville Invitational, May 2-3.

Related