Softball: 'O' in Olson is for Runs Scored by LWE Against Sandburg Ace

Touching All the Bases: Lora Olson struck out 12 in Sandburg's 5-0 softball victory over Lincoln-Way East Monday. She was helped to the win in the bottom of the first inning. Griffin pitcher Kacyee Hart walked the leadoff hitter, Candace Koch. Then, on a heads-up baserunning play on a sacrifice bunt beautifully executed by Lizzie Wojtowicz, Koch advanced to third. She scored on an RBI double from Lexi Bryant. Katie Guska came in to run for Bryant and scored on an RBI double from Jess Perkins. Olson retired the first 11 East batters before surrendering a hit to Jorgi Calombaris. Olson's toughest test came in the top of the sixth. With runners on second and third and two out, she struck out a Griffin pinch-hitter. The Eagles added three runs in the bottom half of the sixth after an error and three straight walks. Olson, Kelly Sherridan and Karissa Kouchis picked up RBIs.

Patch MVP: Sandburg's Lora Olson. She fired a three-hit shutout and struck out 12. At the plate, Olson was 0-for-2 with a walk, a run and an RBI.

Sandburg Leaders: Lexi Bryant (1-for-3, double, RBI, reached on an error, 2 runs), Jess Perkins (1-for-2, double, RBI, walk, run), Candace Koch (0-for-1, 2 walks, run).

L-W East Leaders: Kaycee Hart (5 2/3 innings, 4 strikeouts, 5 walks, 2 hits, 5 runs, 2 earned), Jorgi Calombaris (2-for-3, 2 singles).

Quotable I: Eagles coach Jim Fabianski on Olson's 3-hitter: "I don't think any pitcher is unhittable, but I think she pitched an awesome game. She got stronger as the game went on."

Quotable II: Griffins coach Katie Meader on her team's recent offensive woes: "You need a little offense to back up your pitcher, and we haven't had that in two games. It's just disappointing. We're a much better team than we showed in the last two games. We need to do something quick to turn it around."

What's Next: Both teams are in action at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Griffins head to Bolingbrook, and the Eagles will take on Lincoln-Way Central.

Team Records: The Eagles improve to 12-4 overall and 4-0 in the SWSC Blue. The Griffins fall to 12-3 and 3-3 in the SWSC Blue.