Softball 5/3/2024 8:37:00 AM

DACC Softball on the Move

Team advances into next round of playoffs

DANVILLE, IL - It was a busy day yesterday for DACC softball as the team played in the first round of playoffs on their home turf.

Danville (33-13) received the #2 seed for this year's Region 24 Tournament and earned hosting rights for yesterday's best of three series against #5 seed Heartland (27-29). The Jaguars were dominant in game one with a big fifth inning, earning them the first win 8-2. They were able to grab 2 runs in the first, and added 5 more runs in the third, including a home run shot from Molly Besser. The Hawk's only 2 runs were scored in the fourth before Danville added 1 more in the fifth. Rylee Richey's performance in the circle was a big contribution to the Jaguar's win as she had 8 strikeouts, only allowing the 2 runs and 2 hits. Molly Besser and Kaylee Kline both had 2 RBIs, and Ali Grenzebach had 2 hits.

Head Coach Matt Cervantes had plenty of praise for the offense that the team showed.

"I am very proud of our offense. I feel like we had a good approach and we really stuck with it. To Heartland's credit, they've been beating teams all year long off of their hitting. I feel like we kept their offense in check, and ours went off."

The Jaguars dominated in game two after another big offensive and defensive performance, winning it 8-0. Lauren Kehl got the start in the circle where she sat down 4 Hawks and only allowed 6 hits. Kennedy Hudson had 3 RBIs and 3 hits, as well as 2 stolen bases. Gloria Richardson, Ali Grenzebach, and Molly Besser each had 1 RBI.

Cervantes was more than pleased with his team's performance yesterday.

"Overall, I feel really good about the team's performance yesterday. They showed up and balled out," Cervantes said. "They were excited to play and for a team that started out with a 1-3 record, they never panicked. They always believed in each other and kept their foot on the gas. I think Rylee and Lauren pitched outstanding. Rylee was dominant in game one only allowing 2 hits and 2 runs and she competed in the zone. Lauren stepped up tremendously in game two, and I think that's one of the best pitching performances I've seen from her all year, especially against a tough offensive Heartland team."

With those pair of wins, DACC now advances farther into the playoffs with their eyes set on next week where they will compete for the chance to play in the District P Championship. They will play next Friday, May 10th, but the time, place, and opponent is to be determined.

"Regarding next week, I think this group is confident and I feel good about it," Matt said. "We've achieved a lot with the tough teams we've played all year long. The group has been battle tested, so going into next week, we know we have an opportunity to go in and compete."

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Players Mentioned

#3 Molly Besser: OF; 5' 7"; Freshman

#20 Ali Grenzebach: C/2B/3B; 5' 1"; Sophomore

#26 Kennedy Hudson: OF; 5' 3"; Sophomore

#25 Lauren Kehl: P; 5' 4"; Freshman

#9 Kaylee Kline: C; 5' 6"; Freshman

#8 Gloria Richardson: OF; 5' 6"; Freshman

#5 Rylee Richey: P/1B; 5' 10"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#3 Molly Besser
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: OF

#20 Ali Grenzebach
: 5' 1"; Sophomore
: C/2B/3B

#26 Kennedy Hudson
: 5' 3"; Sophomore
: OF

#25 Lauren Kehl
: 5' 4"; Freshman
: P

#9 Kaylee Kline
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: C

#8 Gloria Richardson
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: OF

#5 Rylee Richey
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: P/1B